They came to Bloomfield Avenue today to honor fathers, brothers, grand-uncles and friends from long ago. People that the rest of knew only–until today–as a list of names recited on Memorial Day.
But today, these heroes came alive again, as commemorative signs bearing their names were paraded down the avenue, many of them carried by their families and descendants. Others were carried by Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts, who once again also placed flags in their honor around Verona’s World War I monument.
This new take on Verona’s Memorial Day parade was brought about by several years of research by Rob Caruso, a relatively recent resident of Verona. He has compiled histories on the life and death of the Veronans who died in service to their country and you can read more about any of the names you see in the video on his“Verona Heroes” website.
Many thanks to Rob Caruso for his dedication to honoring those who gave their lives in service to the USA. The dedication and presenting of the street signs made this a special Memorial Day tribute. Thanks also to all of the residents young and hold who came out to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
I would like to inquire about getting a sign made to remember my uncle who served in WW2.
He died in battle.
My uncle and I are originally from Newark, N.J.
I have resided in Verona for 20 years now.
It would be great to keep his memory alive by hang a sign somewhere on my property.
My nieces and nephew often ask me to tell them stories of uncle Ralphie.
Gerard Russomano
Proud American
Gerard, thanks for contacting us. We’ve forwarded your request to Rob Caruso, who created this project.
Thanks to Robert Caruso I learned of this honor to our Verona Heroes. I wish I could have been there and carried my brother EM2/C Arthur J. Anderson U.S. Navy WW2 street sign in my Navy uniform. The little brownie holding his sign was so sweet but probably did not know what it was all about. My brother was killed September 11, 1943 on the USS Savannah at Salerno, Italy and was buried off the coast of Malta. We had graduated from Verona High June 1941. Then came Pearl Harbor and he enlisted I joined on my 20th birthday in 1943. We received the telegram from the War Dept on his 22nd birthday Nov 5, 1943 when I was home on leave. I applaud Verona for doing this to honor our Verona Heroes. Helen
Thank you Helen for sharing the story of your brother. We will make sure the Troop leaders see it.