Message From Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | May 8, 2026

Memorial Day is not a holiday. For many who served and their families, it is a holy day — a solemn occasion set aside by our nation to honor the estimated 1.3 million American men and women who gave their lives in military service so that the rest of us could live in freedom. 

As a proud veteran who served overseas, I feel that obligation personally. And I know our community does, too.

That is why I am so proud that Scotch Plains and Fanwood will once again join together for Memorial Day events, set for Monday, May 25. It begins with memorial services and presentations of wreaths in both towns before the parade steps off at 10:45 a.m. at the Scotch Plains municipal building on Park Avenue.

This year's parade carries special meaning, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our great nation. Also, this year, we are pleased that the parade committee has named Korean War veteran George Becker as the grand marshal. Becker, 92, a dedicated community member from Scotch Plains, was selected to lead the procession in honor of his military service. 

The tradition of Memorial Day observances between Scotch Plains and Fanwood is one of the ways that makes this community genuinely special. Two towns, one parade, one purpose. 

Memorial Day pays tribute to American military personnel of all wars who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service to our country. Our shared parade is a living expression of that tribute — bands, veterans, scouts, and neighbors side by side near neighborhood streets where Gold Star families have lived and grieved. 

Our township's veterans are honored throughout the year, from Memorial Day to Veterans Day to special events that honor individual veterans who have called Scotch Plains home. These painful conflicts over the decades also serve as important teaching tools for SP-F students, who learn from us how veterans should rightfully be honored, their stories of sacrifice repeatedly told 

This is the work of community. This is what it means to be a neighbor.

I ask every resident of Scotch Plains to join us on May 25. Bring your children. Bring your lawn chairs. Bring your flags. And at 3 p.m. that day, wherever you are, please pause for the National Moment of Remembrance — one minute of silence for those who never came home.

This year, we are adding another element to honor heroes on Memorial Day.

We are creating a “Heroes Field,” honoring Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Teachers, Coaches, Mentors and anyone who embodies courage, service, and impact.

For a $25 donation, you can add your Hero's name and a brief message to a commemorative banner. Each banner will be displayed on an American flag in front of Town Hall beginning May 16.

All proceeds will support the work of the Scotch Plains American Legion Post 209. Banners are available at participating local businesses displaying this flyer, and at the American Legion, 237 Park Ave. (entrance on Sunset Place).

Thank you to the Scotch Plains American Legion, as well as the Scotch Plains Business & Economic Development Board and the Small Business Association for launching this new program to honor our community’s many heroes.