On Veterans Day, young Scouts and veterans unite to honor fallen heroes
In a stirring tribute to the legacy of veterans, Dylan Sullivan, the Senior Patrol Leader for BSA Troop 86 in Lyndhurst led an Eagle Scout project at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington to restore and honor the graves of fallen soldiers dating back to the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I.
Sullivan, whose family is enriched with several generations of Catholic and military heritage at Holy Cross Cemetery, is driven by a deep patriotism and aspiration to serve his community and country. He selected this project to bring attention to these long-forgotten heroes.
“I feel better knowing I did something for this community, this country, and the history of this country,” said Sullivan. “These men fought for us. They’re the heroes of this country. I feel good knowing we’re honoring the sacrifices that they gave.”
Using the same process and solution used at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC., the unit of approximately 50 volunteers, made up of school-aged scouts, their parents, local veterans, and community volunteers, as well as family and friends of Sullivan, sprayed the solution and scrubbed the tombstones with soft bristle brushes on their hands and knees until the memorial stones glistened to their original glory.
His efforts culminated in a formal rededication ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Bergen County Commissioner Steve Tanelli, Mayor of North Arlington Daniel Pronti, and officers and members of Sullivan’s VFW Auxiliary Post 281.
Tanelli awarded Sullivan a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners for his service project.
Also in attendance were Marine Corps League West Hudson Detachment 209, VFW Post 1302, and American Legion Post 99 from Kearny. The ceremony featured a blessing of the graves by Rev. David Sison, Chaplain of St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia who was filling in for Rev. Michale Barone, Chaplain of Holy Cross Cemetery.
After the memorial wreath laying and a solemn three-volley salute, Marine Corps League Captain Adam Tegge delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for their country and communities.
“These gravestones are associated with sacred memories of men and women who have given their lives in pursuit of freedom,” Tegge stated. “It is the job of generations to come to ensure that and to honor their sacrifices.”
Sullivan comes from a long line of service to the country. His brother served with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan and is currently a firefighter in Kearny. His paternal uncles served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His paternal grandfather served with the Navy during WWII. And his maternal great grandfather was a Navy WWII veteran as well. One side leads back to the Revolutionary War, and all inspired Sullivan.
Joseph Sullivan, his paternal grandfather, passed away just before the birth of his grandson. Nevertheless, Sullivan was moved by the stories he heard of him growing up.
“Even though he and my grandmother had passed before I got to meet them, they played a significant role in my upbringing and especially my admiration for the U.S. military,” Sullivan exclaimed. “And Bud Stewart, my maternal great grandfather, and I were very close. He was the one who got me involved in service and the VFW as a former Commander of Post 5084 in Elmwood Park. I’m glad I grew up with him. Most kids don’t get to meet their great-grandfathers.”
Although Sullivan faced the challenges of organizing volunteers and cleaning the tombstones while protecting them, he was moved by the community’s patriotism and endurance.
“We all felt the great words spoken by the Marines, and everyone got chills when Taps rang out from upon the hill,” Sullivan recalled. “It was a tremendous thing that had been done here, and I hope the impact is lasting.”
Maxim Almenas is Marketing Manager, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark.
