Veterans Plaza

In the heart of Harrison, New Jersey, there exists a profound and sacred space where the town collectively pauses to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms: Veterans Plaza. Located within what is also locally known as Library Park, this isn't just a green space; it is a solemn sanctuary, a permanent tribute to the courageous men and women from Harrison who have served in the United States military. For our community, Veterans Plaza is a vital landmark, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and ensuring that the legacy of sacrifice and service is never forgotten.

Veterans Plaza stands as a testament to Harrison's enduring commitment to its heroes. It is a place where history is etched in stone, where personal stories of bravery resonate, and where generations come together to affirm the value of liberty. While it offers a tranquil environment for quiet reflection on any given day, it truly comes alive during annual commemorative ceremonies, serving as a powerful gathering point for collective remembrance. This article will explore the significance of Veterans Plaza, detailing its precise location and accessibility, the distinct features and tributes it holds, and why it is an indispensable place for locals to connect with our shared history and honor those who served.

Veterans Plaza is centrally located on Harrison Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029, USA. More specifically, it is situated within Library Park, a well-known community green space adjacent to the Harrison Public Library. Some sources also refer to its main entrance being on South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard, which connects directly to Harrison Avenue, indicating its prominent and easily identifiable position within the town's core.

Accessibility to Veterans Plaza is excellent for residents throughout Harrison and beyond. Its location on Harrison Avenue, a major artery, ensures that it is easily reachable by various modes of transport. For those relying on public transit, NJ Transit bus routes frequently operate along Harrison Avenue and surrounding streets, with stops likely within a short walking distance of the Plaza. This makes it convenient for individuals who utilize public transportation to attend ceremonies or simply visit the memorial for personal reflection.

Pedestrians and cyclists will find the Plaza highly accessible due to its integration into the town's existing street and sidewalk infrastructure. For visitors arriving by car, street parking is typically available in the vicinity, consistent with urban park access. While specific dedicated parking lots for Veterans Plaza itself are not explicitly highlighted, the central location within Harrison means that ample parking options usually exist nearby. The ease with which locals can access Veterans Plaza, whether by foot, public transit, or car, underscores its role as a truly community-centric memorial and green space, welcoming all who wish to pay their respects.

Veterans Plaza primarily serves as a memorial and a place of remembrance, offering services centered around honoring military personnel and providing a space for quiet contemplation.

• Solemn Place of Remembrance:

  The Plaza is dedicated to the brave men and women of Harrison who served in the United States military, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It provides a hallowed ground for solemn remembrance and reflection on their service and sacrifice.

• Monuments and Plaques:

  The core service of Veterans Plaza is to house and display various monuments and plaques. These tributes commemorate Harrison's heroes from different conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, ensuring their names and stories are preserved for future generations.

• Site for Civic Ceremonies:

  Veterans Plaza is the primary location for Harrison's significant civic observances, notably the annual Memorial Day Tribute. These ceremonies bring together town officials, veterans' organizations (like Harrison Post No. 282 American Legion and Sgt. William Sawelson VFW Post 340), and the public to pay homage to fallen service members.

• Educational Opportunity:

  The historical information presented on the monuments and during ceremonies provides an educational opportunity for residents, especially younger generations, to learn about Harrison's military legacy and the broader history of American conflicts.

• Community Gathering Space:

  Beyond formal ceremonies, the Plaza serves as an informal gathering space where residents can visit, reflect, and share a collective sense of pride and gratitude for local veterans.

• Passive Recreation Area:

  As part of Library Park, the Plaza also offers a quiet, passive recreational area, complete with benches and green space, ideal for contemplation and peaceful enjoyment of the outdoors.

Veterans Plaza in Harrison is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its importance as a municipal landmark and a place of deep community significance.

• Dedicated War Memorials:

  The Plaza features multiple monuments specifically dedicated to Harrison's local heroes who served and gave their lives in major conflicts. This includes tributes to veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. These individual memorials provide tangible points of remembrance for specific generations and conflicts.

• Recent Enhancements and Unveiling of New Monuments:

  In recent years, local veteran organizations, such as Harrison Post No. 282 American Legion and Sgt. William Sawelson VFW Post 340, have actively enhanced the site. This includes the addition of new monuments and updated plaques, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to honoring Harrison's veterans. Notably, a new Vietnam Veterans Monument was scheduled for unveiling, honoring specific Harrison heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in that conflict.

• Connection to Sgt. William Sawelson:

  The Plaza is closely linked to Sgt. William Sawelson, a Medal of Honor recipient from Harrison who perished during World War I. The local VFW post is named in his honor, and his story continues to inspire local observances at the Plaza, ensuring a deeply personal connection to Harrison's military legacy.

• Anchor for Memorial Day Tributes:

  Veterans Plaza is the established and revered site for Harrison's annual Memorial Day Tribute. This ceremony is one of the town's most significant civic observances, bringing together officials, veterans, and residents to collectively honor fallen service members. The reading of names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice is a powerful and moving part of this annual event.

• Part of Library Park:

  Its location within Library Park (also sometimes referred to as Franklin D. Roosevelt Park locally) provides a serene backdrop for the memorials. The combination of green space and hallowed monuments creates a respectful and contemplative atmosphere for visitors.

• Symbol of Enduring Gratitude:

  Veterans Plaza stands as a powerful symbol of Harrison's enduring gratitude to its sons and daughters who have served and sacrificed. It reaffirms the town's commitment to remembering those who upheld American values and freedoms, especially during challenging times.

As a public memorial and a component of a municipal park, Veterans Plaza in Harrison does not offer commercial promotions or special offers in the typical sense. Its value is inherent in its purpose: to provide a free and accessible space for remembrance and reflection. However, the "promotions" it offers are in the form of crucial community events and free opportunities for civic engagement.

• Free Public Access:

  Veterans Plaza is entirely free and open to the public, allowing residents and visitors to visit and pay their respects at any time during park hours. This continuous, open access is the fundamental benefit provided by the Plaza.

• Annual Memorial Day Tribute:

  The most significant "special offer" is the annual Memorial Day Tribute. This free public ceremony is a cornerstone event in Harrison, providing a structured and deeply meaningful way for the community to come together, honor fallen heroes, and reflect on their sacrifices. Attendees gain insight into local military history and participate in a powerful act of collective remembrance. Details about this event are widely publicized by the Town of Harrison and local veteran organizations.

• Unveiling Ceremonies for New Monuments:

  Periodically, as new monuments or plaques are added (such as the recent Vietnam Veterans Monument unveiling), dedicated public ceremonies are held. These events are free to attend and offer a unique opportunity to witness the expansion of this hallowed space and learn about newly recognized heroes.

• Educational Resource for All Ages:

  The Plaza serves as a free, outdoor educational resource. School groups, families, and individuals can visit to learn about local military history and the significance of various conflicts, fostering an understanding of civic duty and sacrifice.

• Opportunity for Personal Reflection:

  Beyond organized events, the Plaza offers a quiet, contemplative space for personal reflection, meditation, or simply a moment of gratitude. This invaluable opportunity for introspection is freely available to all who visit.

For information regarding Veterans Plaza, its monuments, or scheduled ceremonies, the primary contacts would be the Town of Harrison municipal offices and local veterans' organizations.

• Address:

  Veterans Plaza, Harrison Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029, USA (located within Library Park).

• Town of Harrison Municipal Offices:

  For general inquiries about town parks and official events, the Town of Harrison's main municipal offices would be the best starting point. While a direct phone number for Veterans Plaza isn't provided, general town numbers or the Recreation Department would be able to assist.

• Harrison Post No. 282 American Legion and Sgt. William Sawelson, VFW Post 340:

  These local veterans' organizations are deeply involved in the maintenance and programming of Veterans Plaza, particularly for commemorative events like Memorial Day. They can often provide the most detailed information about the monuments and upcoming ceremonies. Their contact information can typically be found through local directories or the Town of Harrison's community resources.

• Town of Harrison Official Website:

  The official website for the Town of Harrison (townofharrison.com) is a key resource for announcements regarding Memorial Day Tributes, monument unveilings, and other civic observances held at Veterans Plaza. Look for sections related to news, events, or veterans' affairs.

• Local News Outlets/Community Boards:

  Local news websites and community discussion boards for Harrison (e.g., YourHarrison.com) often publish articles and announcements regarding events at Veterans Plaza, providing up-to-date information.

Veterans Plaza in Harrison, NJ, is uniquely suited for locals due to its profound role as a community touchstone for remembrance and gratitude. For residents, it's more than just a public space; it's a direct connection to the history of their town and the sacrifices made by their neighbors, friends, and family members. Its central location within Library Park makes it easily accessible, allowing for spontaneous visits for quiet reflection or planned attendance at important civic ceremonies.

The Plaza serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who served. Attending events like the annual Memorial Day Tribute at Veterans Plaza provides a meaningful opportunity for locals to collectively pay their respects, fostering a strong sense of community pride and shared heritage. These ceremonies, often featuring local veteran organizations and the reading of names, create a deeply personal and impactful experience. For families, it’s a valuable place to teach younger generations about civic duty, patriotism, and the importance of remembering historical events.

Furthermore, as a quiet green space within Library Park, Veterans Plaza offers a peaceful retreat for contemplation amidst daily life. It’s a place where Harrison residents can take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, understanding the sacrifices that underpin them. In essence, Veterans Plaza is an indispensable part of Harrison's identity, providing a solemn, accessible, and deeply meaningful space for current and future generations to honor their local heroes and keep their legacy alive.

Veterans Plaza

Harrison Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029, USA