Memorial Pond, Patriotism and Parades

The flags came back out this week, as Franklin Lakes responded to the news heard round the world: Osama bin Laden, perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks and Public Enemy No. 1 in the War on Terror, is dead. 

While people around the world took to the streets in celebration, at home the mood is a little more low-key. 

“It’s not a celebration but I feel more of a sense of guarded comfort,” notes resident Jo Ann Romano, from The Franklin Lakes Memorial Pond Committee and a member of the borough's new Public Events Committee (PEC).

Both committees have been hard at work planning the 9/11 Commemoration, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Franklin Lakes Memorial Pond, located behind Borough Hall, and will be conducted near the memorial listing the three borough residents who died in the World Trade Center attacks Thomas J. Cahill, a securities trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, Frank Deming, a practice director at Oracle Corp, and Steven Schlag, Cantor Fitzgerald, as well as Alexia Tsairis, who lost her life in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

In preparation for the 10th Anniversary, the Franklin Lakes Memorial Pond will undergo some enhancements, thanks to many generous donations from local residents and businesses.

The final phase of the pond, which will incorporate a waterfall to aerate the pond, has been designed with the vision and guidance of Blue Meadow and Boswell Engineering and is awaiting approval and permits from the DEP.

“So many organizations and wonderful volunteers have supported the efforts of the Franklin Lakes Memorial Pond over the years and we would like to extend an invitation to the entire community to come out and attend this day of remembrance,” expressed Romano.

The organization welcomes volunteers, support and donations. If you would like to help in any way, or for more information, contact Jo Ann Romano.

Memorial Day Celebration

Meanwhile, patriotism runs high in the borough, with big plans for the upcoming Memorial Day celebration at the end of the month. In addition to the parade on March 30, the borough is also planning a Critter Walk, in honor of Dr. Cheryl Welch. 

The highlight of the holiday, however, will honor the borough's war dead. VFW Post 5702 has compiled a list of Franklin Lakes residents who died in combat from the Civil War through the Vietnam War.

The post will present a memorial plaque listing the names of the Borough’s fallen heroes. If you know of any borough residents who died in combat, please contact Nancy Yarish at (201) 891-0048 (ext. 1204) to ensure the plaque is complete.

The Mayor, Council and the VFW are also seeking borough veterans, military personnel and cadets to honor in this year’s parade. To participate, contact Ann Swist, Public Events Committee Chairperson, at amswist@prodigy.net.