Hoboken Honors Its Veterans

For most Americans, memorial day weekend marks the beginning of summer and the kick off of the barbeque season. But on Wednesday night, Hoboken remembered the real reason we celebrate this holiday: those who served the country. 

Washington Street was filled with high school students, Hudson County officials, Elks Lodge members and local veterans on Wednesday evening. Around 7 p.m. the sound of bagpipes and marching bands filled the air, and everybody lined in front of City Hall. No cars (at least, none without veterans in them) or buses were allowed on Washington during the parade. 

Together with Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith and Union City Mayor Brian Stack, Mayor Dawn Zimmer marched down Washington St. from City Hall to the Elks Lodge on 11th and Washington and welcomed Medal of honor winner Nicholas Oresko, 94, from Bayonne.

Oresko's accomplishments were mentioned at the end of the parade. Oresko didn't march, but sat in the back of a convertible. At the end of the parade, he got out of the car—with the help from Smith—to smile for some photos.

From the podium in front of the Elks Lodge, at least a dozen other veterans and Zimmer saluted him. 

The parade itself was filled with young people from neighboring school districts (Weehawken and Bayonne's high schools attended) as well as the Rocking Redwings from the Hoboken public schools.

"It's important for each generation to recognize those who came before you," said Jason Maurer, Elks Club officer, who carried a flag in the parade. "Honor their commitment for one day of the year, is the least we can do."

After the parade, which started at 7 p.m., Elks members enjoyed hot dogs and drinks downstairs in the Lodge. 

At one of the tables sat Elk Veteran of the year and the City's clerk James Farina. Farina said he joined the army in 1966, and was stationed at Fort Dix. He was 19 at the time. He said he never went to Vietnam.

After his father passed away, Farina said, he had to leave the army and go back home, since he was the oldest living heir of the family. Farina was born two years after the end of World War II, in 1947. 

Farina said that he had two uncles (his father's brothers) who served during World War II. Patrick Farina witnessed the Invasion of Normandy, but was killed in France, a short period before he was supposed to return home. His other uncle, Fred Farina, also served in France, but was able to return home, Farina said. 

During the annual memorial day parade, Farina said he always thinks about his family. 

"I'm very honored," Farina said about becoming Elk Veteran of the year. He said he tries to do volunteer work for the veterans as often as he can.