We are always humbled on Veterans Day to recognize that we, as a nation, cannot repay the debt we owe to those who served.  But we can at least honor and commemorate their service.  I was privileged on Monday to present tokens of gratitude to two of our local veterans.

George Scherer of Ewing graduated from Trenton State College in 1965 and was drafted into the Army.  He served in Vietnam as a Crew Chief and Door Gunner on a UH-1C Helicopter Gunship.  He earned seven medals that, because an administrative error, he never received during his service, including a Purple Heart.

William Boyle of Lawrence enlisted on May 6, 1943 in the Bronx as a Construction Machine Operator and served in the 628th Engineer Light Equipment Company.  He earned four medals that he never received during his service, including the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Both veterans called me earlier this year to ask for help, and I intervened with the Army to obtain their long-overdue medals.  This week, I joined the community at a Ewing Veterans Day commemoration to present these decorations and express our deep gratitude for their service.

If you know a veteran who also is due a medal or award that he or she never received, please e-mail me or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT so that our nation may properly honor our heroes.

Adapting Together to the New Normal

When hurricanes strike, the federal government must play a key role in the response – but much of the day-to-day work of disaster prevention and mitigation is intensely local:  the coordination of first responders, the construction of levees and floodwalls across municipal boundaries, and so on.  It is critical that local, state, and federal officials collaborate to address natural disasters as effectively as possible.

Last week, I convened a roundtable with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, federal and state emergency management officials, and representatives from local governments across Middlesex County – including Old Bridge, South River, Dunellen, East Brunswick, and Middlesex Boro.

Sandy was not the last superstorm that will strike New Jersey.  Stronger, more intense storms are becoming the new normal, and we must continue to work together across all levels of government to adapt, prepare, and serve our constituents.

The Quakers in New Jersey

Central New Jersey is full of diversity and home to many people of many different faiths.  Our state and country have benefited greatly from their many varied contributions.  From 1674 on, members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, have played a prominent role in the history of New Jersey and have been leaders in commerce, manufacturing, and the development of ideas for an emerging American democracy.

The 1676 document “Concessions and Agreements of the Proprietors, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the Province of West New Jersey in America” introduced into American law some of our most revered freedoms, principles, and institutions:  freedom of religion; democratic government through a predominant, powerful assembly elected “by all free men;” no taxation without the consent of the governed; trial by independent jury; sunshine laws; safeguards against bribery; restorative justice; and equal rights for native Americans.  Known as a “peaceable community,” Quakers have been active in abolishing slavery and inhuman practices and in seeking ways to avoid war.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress