Hackensack honors veterans at Memorial Day ceremony; local historian spotlights names on memorials

Councilwoman Sonia Clark Collins opened Hackensack’s Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park, thanking residents and introducing a line-up of city officials and veteran speakers to honor those who died in service to the nation. "I thank you for joining us here in the city of Hackensack as we gather in solemn remembrance on this Memorial Day," she said.

Former mayor Michael Melie, introduced as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, led a short set of remarks and asked the assembly to stand for the presentation of the colors. Father Laughler delivered an invocation based on Psalm 116 and read names of service members and loved ones assembled for prayer.

Angela Corolla performed the national anthem to opening applause. Commander Vincent Dulli of American Legion Post 55 praised attendees and reflected on his service in Vietnam, urging support for current service members and offering his personal recollections of comrades who did not return.

Bob Mey, described by organizers as Hackensack’s veteran historian, gave a detailed local history segment focused on names carved into the city’s memorial plaques. He recounted the national story of the five Sullivan brothers, noted local men listed on the plaques (including Paul Wasnooki and relatives), and described research by George Torriello that helped identify several veterans. Mey read an email from a Polish historical museum asking Hackensack volunteers to help locate relatives and photographs for educational use, calling the museum’s outreach "comforting" evidence that others abroad remember Hackensack’s servicemembers.

Mayor Cassine Gaines delivered the ceremony’s keynote-style remarks, using the image of a wreath to describe civic bonds: "A wreath isn't carved from one big solid piece of wood. It's made of hundreds of individual separate branches woven together ... That circle represents what our city is supposed to be." She urged residents to honor veterans by caring for returning service members and protecting democratic institutions.

Organizers then presented wreaths from the city and scores of local organizations, including American Legion Post 55, the Hackensack Fire and Police Departments, the Board of Education, the Department of Public Works, veterans’ posts, local lodges, the Rotary Club and local hospitals. The event included taps (played by Joe Wolverton), a rifle salute, retirement of the colors, a benediction from Father Laughler and closing remarks thanking city staff, the Boy Scouts and VFW volunteers who distributed poppies. The city also noted a Main Street banner program to commemorate local veterans and provided information on how families may obtain banners or sign up for VFW membership.

The ceremony emphasized both national remembrance and local efforts to preserve and research veterans’ histories, with organizers encouraging attendees to "turn and reflect" when viewing names on memorials and to share family photos or documents when possible for historical research.

The program closed after final acknowledgements and thanks to all participants and volunteers.