Hasbrouck Heights 9/11 Memorial

This weekend I visited the 9/11 memorial in my hometown Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. The memorial is a world trade center artifact from the port authority of NY/NJ which included a 16 foot beam cut into two sections to commemorate towers 1 and 2. Flying over the steel beams from the World Trade Center is the American flag. You can see the top of the left steel beam is bent out of shape from the tragic disaster. This monument also honors all the firefighters, police emergency services, and the victims lost on September 11, 2001.

 

The historical site I decided to visit was the General Enoch Poor statue at the intersection of Church St and Court St. in Hackensack NJ. Enoch Poor was a general during the Revolutionary War and he led a group of soldiers out of New Hampshire. This statue commemorates Poor and role in Revolutionary War history. He died near Hackensack on "September 8th, 1780, he is believed to have died of Typhoid fever" although there is conflicting evidence that "suggests he died in a duel", (RWNJ). The plaque on his statue states that he "rendered signal service at many battles especially Stillwater, Saratoga, Newtown, and Monmouth", (RWNJ). Even Washington shortly after his death wrote that "he was an officer of distinguished merit who as a citizen and a soldier had every claim to the esteem of his country", (RWNJ). He was buried in Hackensack at the "First Reformed Chruch Cemetry" near his statue. 

https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/towns/hackensack_nj_revolutionary_war_sites.htm

Letchworth Village- Rockland County NY

 Article and Pictures By: Frank LoPresti

                                                    Letchworth Village- Rockland County NY

Letchworth Village opened in 1911 as an institution to provide residency and care to the mentally and physically disabled. It remained in operation until 1996, however throughout those years countless accusations of abuse and cruelty from the staff plagued its reputation. The institution consisted of over 130 structures spread over 3000 acres, most of which remain standing but are in a decrepit state. This along with the infamy raised by the reports of what exactly went on during its operation, led to the entire complex becoming a popular spot for urban explorers and ghost hunters.

                           

Thousands of the residents were forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions throughout the property and were subjected to the cruel authority of the staff who oversaw their every waking moment. Allegations of patient abuse ranging from sexual assault to cruel experimentation on disabled residents were commonly made. These allegations led to numerous investigations throughout the years, ultimately leading to the largest one conducted by ABC news and through reporter Geraldo Rivera in which they revealed to the world countless pictures of residents including children, living in cramped and dirty conditions. The report was published as "Willowbrook: the last great disgrace." , and shocked the American Public to its core; over the course of the following years, countless reforms mandated the quality of care of these patients to be improved. However, like many of the other Asylums of the time, it would close.  

These pictures were taken within the morgue and contain images of embalming equipment and what I believe to be a freezer/storage container for corpses. In many of these buildings, paperwork can be found detailing a variety of things regarding the operation of the place. However, due to being exposed to the elements for so long and suffering the wrath of vandals, many of the left-behind artifacts are either damaged beyond recognition or stolen. That being said, there is still plenty to see and do around the property, plenty of the buildings are still accessible, and it could take days to go through all of the remains. What is illustrated in this article is only the result of a short exploration of Letchworth; however, this only showcases a small piece of the history left behind I encourage all who are interested in checking it out.

The majority of the Land is considered a public park, and people during the daytime can often be seen jogging, walking their dogs, and doing other miscellaneous outdoor activities. However, the buildings are "no trespassing" , and some are now private property as redevelopment projects begin to take hold around the area. So to any who do decide to venture to 41.214793,-74.023676 Stoney Point NY, absolutely do not under any circumstance enter any of these fully-intact, well-hidden buildings, especially not after sunset.

Zadroga 9/11 Memorial in North Arlington, NJ

On Saturday, I visited the Zadroga 9/11 Memorial in my hometown North Arlington, NJ. This memorial is dedicated to former NYPD & 9/11 First Responder James Zadroga; who developed a pulmonary condition attributing do his death at the young age of 34. Zadroga was the name sake the federal bill that would be known as the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act, which provided financial aid and health monitoring for many 9/11 first responders, many of whom developed similar health conditions. This memorial has a great view of the NYC skyline, where the Twin Towers used to once stand. 

Soilder’s and Sailor’s Monument, Bloomfield, NJ

 This weekend, I went to Bloomfield center and saw the Soilder’s and Sailor’s Monument. It was erected in 1912 to celebrate the one hundred year anniversary of the town, and as a dedication and memorial to honor those in the Army and Navy in Bloomfield. On One side it reads “A tribute to the dead, a memory for the living, and inspiration for posterity.” And on the other “God grants liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it.” Behind the Statue it reads, “Dedicated in connection of the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Bloomfield 1812-1912.”

World War II Memorial - Hoboken

 

This World War II memorial features two soldiers returning from battle surrounded by guns with helmets on top of them. There are a total of 21 guns with helmets on top of them, and there is also a plaque which honors over 150 Hoboken soldiers who lost their lives in the war. It is located around Pier C in Hoboken which is very close to Frank Sinatra Park. The memorial was designed by Dean Marchetto architects. It cost $750,000 to build, and the money was funded by a combination of both city and state money. When the lovely citizens of Hoboken take a stroll along the Hudson they are blessed to see many wonderful parks and memorials, however, this memorial is always the one that catches my attention the most. 

The Eternal Flame War Memorial of Roxbury

 

This Memorial is located in my hometown of Roxbury, New Jersey.  A plaque on the memorial reads, "Erected by the people of Roxbury Township to perpetuate the memory of all those who have faithfully served their country.  The memorial is split into four sections representing World War I, World War II, The Vietnam War, and the Korean War.  In each section it list the names of Roxbury residents who have died in battle at their respected war.  The middle of the memorial is a circle filled with stones.  In the circle, their is a hand holding in a torch sticking out of the stones.  The torch represents the eternal flame that makes sure we remember everyone's name on the memorial.  Roxbury Township has a Memorial Day Parade every year and The Eternal Flame War Memorial of Roxbury is the destination of the parade and ceremonies take place there every year at the end of the parade.