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Politics & Government

Killed Kinnelon Soldier to be Honored at Boro's Memorial Day Parade

Kinnelon will host parade on Memorial Day and honor those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan on Veterans Day.

Kinnelon Councilman Dan O'Dougherty announced preliminary plans at Thursday evening's council meeting for this year's festivities for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

"On Memorial Day this year, we are going to have the 'Field of Freedom,' which is going to be flags that are going to be posted with an eight-foot post and a five-foot flag in a roll like they do at Arlington Cemetery," he said.

O'Dougherty said that the "Field of Freedom" will take place in front of the municipal building. As part of the program, residents have the opportunity to purchase a full-sized flag for $35 to honor a veteran in memoriam. The flags will be placed on the circle in front of the municipal building.

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Proceeds from the "Field of Freedom" fundraiser will support two veterans' organizations-Reserve Aid and Vet Dogs.

Plans for a Memorial Day parade were also unveiled.

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"Also this year, we're looking to do a Memorial Day parade back in Kinnelon," O'Dougherty said. "After Kiel Avenue has been completed and all the projects we did in lowering that hill and everything else we did on Kiel Avenue, we're looking to, this year, do the Field of Freedom and the parade on Memorial Day. Also, we're going to be remembering Jonathan Batista, who lost his life last year.

Batista, of Kinnelon, was killed in Afghanistan by enemy fire. A funeral was held for him at Our Lady of the Magnificat Church after residents from the borough and surrounding communities lined Kinnelon Road to welcome his body home.

"So this Memorial Day is kind of special," O'Dougherty said.

O'Dougherty also said that on Veterans Day, Kinnelon will be honoring servicemen and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Those young people who have gone [over] from Kinnelon, [we want] to give them some recognition as volunteers that have volunteered their service and are doing the right thing," he said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story stated admission would be charged for "Field of Freedom."

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