VERGA NJ: "MISSING" WWII monument replaced; dedication set for Memorial Day
Saturday, May 29, 2010
By CNB News
The Verga World War II monument that disappeared some years ago when the
intersection of Crown Point road and Hessian avenue was expanded has been re-created after a culmination of efforts led by Bob Jonas and members of the Verga VFW. Support was garnered by West Deptford Township officials. The project was spearheaded by Jeep MacAdams, formerly of Brooklawn NJ, who had become outraged when no one could produce the original monument that stood since 1941.
PHOTO: SGT JEEP MACADAMS
One hundred or so names of those who entered the service during WWII from Verga have been duplicated using pictures from the original. Of those, it has been ascertained, only Jeep and two others were still alive as of this past October, 2009. That is when a tentative ceremony was held announcing plans for replacement and a dedication accordingly on Memorial Day 2010.
Prior to the October meeting, Jeep's youngest son Scott put in a call to eldest son Kenny announcing that Jeep "was planning to stakeout the old location of the monument and draw TV stations to
protest". It was not until Ken's reaction of "whatever" that Scott decided to move on his own, hoping to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation for the family. Scott then got in touch with his councilman buddy Hughie Garrison who with the mayor's help were put in touch with Jonas.
Even the tentative October ceremony had it's poignant moments until Jeep made it known that they must move things along so he could get him and the MacAdams Clan back to watching the Oklahoma-Texas game. Middle son Tom quipped: "Jeep scheduling this on the same day of the Red River Rivalry is just one of the Jeepisms that the family would be glad to put up with for a long time to come"
It is not known if the three surviving members would be able to attend the re-dedication this Memorial Day Monday @ 1pm at the Verga VFW, but Jeep wanted all of the 100 or so families involved to know they are invited to attend free of charge. And this time it is probably OK to notify the TV stations.
Editor's Note: It should be noted that four of the six MacAdams brothers are included on the monument. Besides Jeep, Charles, a WWII hero who was recently interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Joseph, formerly of Glassboro, NJ and Edwin, formerly of Sewell,NJ. Any and all questions relating to the event can be directed to Bob @ (856)-845-1682.
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