Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, UNICO National President Anne Walko, Chapter President Ralph Bernardo, Council Members and veterans from WW II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
CLARK, NJ — The new women’s war veterans memorial monument was unveiled yesterday at Town Hall.
The monument was a dream of resident Bill Caruso to honor all the women who fought for our country and lost their lives in battle.
Clark UNICO and the American Legion helped bring the monument to fruition. Clark UNICO President Ralph Bernardo and the UNICO organization was happy to help, and a fundraiser, “An evening with Sinatra” dinner and a show, was held in February. Enough money was raised to pay for the entire cost of the monument.
The stone was cut in India, designed by hand in Vermont and shipped to New Jersey. Tom Drew of Drew Memorials was responsible for the artwork, which started out as simple hand sketch drawn on a piece of paper. Tom brought it to life. Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, who was in full support of the project, spoke at the dedication praising everyone’s efforts.
The ceremony started with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Arthur L. Johnson High School’s Emma Knutson. The stone is located in front of city hall.
Congratulations to all! What inspiring and encouraging news for all women. This gives me a special sense of pride because UNICO’s National President is the beautiful and distinguished New Jersey Woman educator, Dr. Ann Walko. This is a profoundly important marker on the road toward the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage in 2020.