It was an annual request through the Participatory Budgeting Committee process: What about implementing a Hometown Heroes banner concept on poles in the borough to honor veterans?
Of course – in reality – “it was a great idea,” Dan Xavier acknowledged.
But the concept did not fit the strict criteria the committee must follow for community capital projects: logistics, durability, aesthetics, cost and politics.
“Our largest logistic hurdle was not enough free-standing poles,” Xavier explained, noting the committee counted only eight to 10 the borough could use for hanging banners.
The idea would also involve a yearly maintenance cost driven by weather. The committee’s criteria includes minimal maintenance costs and durability for at least five years or more.
Councilwoman Annette Jordan asked Xavier to come up with an alternative tohonor borough veterans and to spearhead the initiative through a Veterans Initiative Subcommittee.
Xavier was an Army military officer stationed in Bosnia in the mid-’90s. He grew up in Monmouth County and has lived in Freehold for the last 20 years.
The subcommittee’s work resulted in the creation of a Veteran Recognition Sign program that honors military vets who’ve served the community by adding their names to honorary street signs – or sign toppers – on municipal roads.
Xavier explained the program through a presentation called, “Freehold: A Legacy of Service & Sacrifice,” before Mayor Kevin Kane and council. It will take advantage of the borough’s 112 streets and more than 330 signs by affixing small, custom toppers above each of the latter.
Theoretically, vets can be honored on all 330 signs, Xavier estimates. “I mapped out the entire program,” he shared, noting his collaboration with the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts to set the criteria for eligibility.
He also pointed out that Jordan, borough engineer Robert Lithgow Jr., administrator Steve Gallo and members of the Department of Public Works helped bring the idea to fruition.
After nearly two years, the borough finally rolled out the Veteran Recognition Sign program on the 4th of July this year and unveiled the signs during ceremonies at each location.
The program’s first five living inductees span multiple branches of the U.S. military and decades of distinguished service:
● Robert Doane, U.S. Navy (Dates of service: Dec. 14, 1942 to Nov. 30, 1945)
● William Madden, Navy (Dates of service: March 28, 1946 to Feb. 24, 1948)
● Charles Butkus, Marines (Dates of Service: April 2, 1951 to April 1, 1954)
● Edward Daley, Army (Dates of Service: Nov. 1, 1965 to Oct. 31, 1971)
● Russell Taylor, Navy (Dates of Service: 1981–1985; 2001-2010)
“Freehold has such a rich history of military service,” Xavier noted. “This community has always answered the call. Over the years, a number of residents expressed a desire for something more permanent to honor our local veterans. “I’m both thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to help make this happen.”
Xavier reflected on the many individuals who attended the “moving” sign unveilings.
“The older veterans were shocked and surprised with a lot of tears (shed),” he recalled, noting that vets often are too humble to seek recognition. “We are happy to honor and acknowledge them.”
Kane praised the signs as enduring tributes to those who’ve selflessly served. “Freehold Borough is proud to be recognized as a veteran friendly municipality, and it is only fitting that we honor the contributions of our veterans through special tributes like this,” he observed.
“We are grateful to Dan and the veterans committee for bringing this meaningful initiative to life. Thank you.”
Jordan – an early supporter and key advocate of the program – emphasized its importance in fostering civic pride and community engagement.
“This project reinforces our residents’ priorities and underscores just how vital it is for community members to participate and make their voices heard,” she stated. The initiative will continue on Veterans Day by honoring another five living vets, and on Memorial Day next year, when five who’ve died will be cited.
The official sign program guidelines include:
● Residency: To qualify, the veteran must be (or have been) a resident of the borough for a minimum of 10 years.
● Military veteran: The program is open to all military members, regardless of combat status.
● Full-time National Guard/Army Reserves duty is only considered when members are activated to regular service and does not include weekend drills or active duty for training. There is a Minimum Service Exception (for death or disability).
● Discharge status: Vets who’ve received an honorable or general discharge may apply. Those with dishonorable discharges are not eligible.
● Branch of service: Eligible candidates include those having service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
● Verification: Documentary proof of a candidate’s service should accompany the nomination form.
● Sign placement: Sign installation locations will be randomly selected.
● Program funding: The cost of creating and mounting the Veteran
Recognition Street sign toppers – approximately $100 each – will typically be the responsibility of the service member or their family. Recognizing that financial constraints may pose challenges for some, the borough will cover the cost for those unable to do so themselves.
For more information or to obtain a nomination form for the Veteran Recognition Sign program, visit freeholdboroughnj.gov/…/427-veterans-recognition-sign-program
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