At its annual Memorial Day Service, South Orange Village remembered the fallen — but also pledged to serve living veterans who continue to struggle with issues like housing and depression.
Marine Corps vet Ed Matthews directed the ceremony, reminding attendees that “we would not be the land of the free without being the home of the brave” and decrying the state of services for veterans.
Village President Sheena Collum announced that South Orange is working to do its part for vets: 10% of all new housing units are preferential for veterans through the town’s affordable housing program. Collum said that already two veterans have signed leases in the new Third & Valley development. Collum also noted that Village Health Officer John Festa, himself a veteran, has forged a relationship with the VA New Jersey Health Care System in East Orange.
To view images from today’s South Orange Memorial Day Service, click on photos to enlarge:
