Politics & Government
Veterans Remembered on Hopatcong Day
Officials and residents gathered in Maxim Glen Park to pay tribute to all of the men and women from Hopatcong who have served in the US Armed Forces.
Officially kicking off the festivities of Hopatcong Day, Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo, State Sen. Steve Oroho, borough council members and residents paused in Maxim Glen Park to remember all of the men and women from Hopatcong who have served in the United States armed forces.
The crowd reflected in a moment of silence for two young men, both 23 years old, who paid the ultimate price for freedom. John Curtin III, who was killed on August 26, 1968 in Vietnam, and Michael D. Kirspel Jr., who lost his life in Afghanistan on October 27, 2010.
Kirspel, a decorated soldier joined the Army in 2006 and initially served in Iraq. He would have celebrated his 24th birthday on July 8, 2011.
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“Before the festivities begin, we always gather together to give honor and tribute to the men and women in our community who proudly wear the uniform of the United States of America," Petillo said. "Although they are serving our country and deployed to different parts of the world, they are not forgotten.”
Council Members Richard Bunce, John Young, Howard Baker, Mike Francis and Marie Galate were joined by Vito Castoro, chairman of Hopatcong Days and Hopatcong Recreation Director Sue Parachuk.
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Former Sussex County Freeholder Jeff Parrott shared with the crowd the success of Veterans Identification Cards that are now available through the Sussex County Clerk’s Office.
Parrott said the card will make it easier for veterans and their families to access veterans’ records, and he and others are working with the Hopatcong Chamber of Commerce, so that in the future, area merchants will recognize the cards.
Parrot said since the card became available in late June of 2011, 167 veterans have signed up for one.
The crowd applauded with enthusiasm as Councilman Bunce read the names of all who served in the United States Armed Forces. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a yellow ribbon was placed on the monument.
Petillo said, “It is a sign to our community that they hold a special place in our hearts, and together, as a community, we are waiting for their safe return.”
