Rededication of the Byram Veterans Monument

BYRAM — Byram Township will salute all those who have served honorably in the armed forces on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. In keeping with the long established tradition of observing Veterans Day at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, ceremonies will begin promptly at 11 a.m. at the Byram Veterans Monument. The monument is located on Mansfield Drive near the township municipal building. This year's ceremonies will include a rededication of the monument to mark the 20th anniversary of its original unveiling. According to Richard A. Bowe, who was Byram's mayor when the monument was originally dedicated in 1991, the monument was erected through the efforts of volunteers who not only raised the funds for the project but also assisted in the physical work involved in bringing the project to completion. "We did the whole project without spending any tax dollars," said Bowe. "All costs were covered by the generous donations of local residents and businesses." Byram Mayor James Oscovitch has been spearheading this year's monument rededication efforts. The son of a Marine Corps veteran, Oscovitch said, "I was raised to respect all those who served in the military and I'm proud to be part of this year's Veterans Day planning. I also want to thank the other members of the township council for their invaluable support of this project." Although the celebration of Veterans Day is an annual Byram event, this year's event is unique because it will include celebration of the 20th anniversary of the erection of the monument and its rededication. "Each year the crowd at the Veterans Day ceremony gets a little larger," said Oscovitch, "There is probably no American family that does not have a member who served in one of our armed forces. It's gratifying to see how many people come out not only to honor their own family members who have served, but to honor all veterans." Following the event light refreshments will be served. For more information call Richard Bowe at 973-347-4400.