Vietnam Veteran Jan F. Cook Named 2019 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal

Vietnam Veteran Jan F. Cook will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2019 Memorial Day parade in the Borough of Roselle Park.

Mr. Cook was born in 1952 and was raised and educated in Elizabeth, New Jersey. While attending Roosevelt High School in Elizabeth, he entered the U.S. Military in 1969 at age 17. After his training at Fort Dix, Mr. Cook attended Jump School Wiesbaden in Germany. He was assigned to the 1/509 Airborn Infantry Brigades until 1975. He was reinstated in 1979 with the 50th Armored Division Discom Class Five. During his service, Mr. Cook was decorated with numerous Awards and Medals.

After 31 years of serving his country, he left the service as E-7 in 1999 and entered into the IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve.)

Upon returning, Mr. Cook became a Pass Commander and a life member with American Legion Post No. 60 of Roselle Park, and with the Downtown Veterans Association of Elizabeth. He is also a member of VFW 7363 of Clark, New Jersey.

Mr. Cook is married to his beautiful wife Mary of 38 years and was blessed with two boys Tommy and Frankie.

Mr. Cook retired from Wakefern Food Corporation in 1999 and has been a resident of Linden, New Jersey since 1984. He enjoys his free time involved in several interests and spends time with his friends at the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library and American Legion Post No. 60.

The Borough’s parade assembly will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Sherman Elementary School and will step off at 10:00 a.m. from the school on East Grant Avenue, marching toward Chestnut Street.

Marching will pause for 3 minutes for each group to display their talent and achievements at the viewing stand in front of the Methodist Church on Chestnut Street and end at the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library for the annual Memorial Day service.

After the service, everyone is invited to the Town Picnic at the Casano Community Center (free food and refreshments) hosted by the Borough.

Mayor Signorello and the Borough Council honor the memories and service of veterans of all wars and invite everyone to attend the parade and service.

If an organization or group would like to march in the parade, or requires more information, please contact Rupen Shah at 908-245-0666.

St. Michael Church will host its third annual Memorial Day Parish Picnic, Monday, May 27, 12:00-3:00 p.m. following the township memorial service. The picnic will take place alongside the church on Miln Street. There will be food, music, games, crafts, and fun for all ages!

There will also be a collection for Operation Chillout at the picnic.

ROSELLE PARK TO HOST VETERANS’ DAY SERVICE

The Borough of Roselle Park will host its salute to veterans of the United States Armed Forces on Monday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Sig and the Borough Council invite everyone to join together to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces, living or deceased, and current service members with any length of military service that is active duty, reserve component, or National Guard with any U.S. military branch.

The Borough’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place in the front of Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library located at 404 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park.

Casano Community Center will provide free bus service to Roselle Park senior citizens. Residents must call on Friday to arrange for transportation. For more information, please call Casano Community Center at 908-245-0666.