CNBNews

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is SGT (RET.) Anthony R. Fedele Jr. I grew up in this great city, and I am damn proud of it. I am a disabled veteran, retired from the U.S. Army for 8 years now. I served in the Infantry for an amazing 6 years and wouldn't change that for the world. Those of my old friends that know me now, know that every time I talk about the military, I well up in tears, let alone when I talk about those of my brethren that have fallen. 

I have been trying to follow the proposal to change the names of some of our city streets to those who have died serving our country. Although I am not a subject matter expert in our city politics, I thought it might be nice for a veteran to put his humble two cents into the pot. I can't emphasize how amazing it feels to know that our city government hasn't forgotten about our friends and family members that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I personally have my own opinion as to whether or not we should rename the streets after these heroes but, I think the more important issue is for everyone to understand one thing… Those that have fallen, still live inside us.

Every time you look at the American Flag flying in the wind, see soldiers coming home to their families after serving in another country, or hear that twenty-one gun salute being fired in a cemetery, those are the moments that make you stop and think of your close ones that have passed. It doesn't take a large-scale, monumental change, to show how much you appreciate what those soldiers have done for us. It is the small things that really make an impact. The shot glass full of liquor, sitting next to the picture of Mark Ryan in the local bar, or the monument on the corner of Broadway St. and Monmouth St. that you stop by to read every so often while walking to Cabana's for some water ice. It's the small, nonchalant gestures that make you tear up, take a moment, and look into the sky and say a silent "Thank You".

As for my opinion, I personally would like to see another monument built for our city to replace the existing one. The new monument will have all of our local heroes on it, disregarding which war they had fallen in.  The monument will be able to be updated as needed. Something that can recognize those that have fallen in the past, and also be able to recognize those that fall in our future. This, in my honest and humble opinion, would be something I would be proud of. Something that I can look at and say my silent "Thank You" to. 

Again, just two-cents from a veteran who is proud to be back in this city.

Sincerely,

Anthony R. Fedele Jr.