Monument to local heroes is inspiring

America's monuments honoring our war veterans are popular Washington, D.C., attractions. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National World War II Memorial and the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial depicting the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima are among the best known.

These great constructions of granite and bronze honor and remind us of the sacrifices individual Americans have made to preserve our freedom. Despite their impressive size, I am moved by a smaller and more humble display.

Built with simple materials - wood, glass, screws and glue - this display honors local East Brunswick citizens serving our armed forces. Photographs of each active military member are encased in identical individual frames and double matted. Each frame, spaced apart with exacting measure, is adorned with an emblem of the military branch in which that particular East Brunswick citizen serves.

Mounted on a wall in the East Brunswick Municipal Building, the display honors U.S. Army Lt. Seth J. Dvorin, killed in Iraq, and U.S. Army Cpl. Steven R. Koch, killed in Afghanistan, by positioning their photos at the top of the display and placing a small black band around the upperright corner of their frames.

I was told a township employee, Laura Hoover, constructed the display. Her gratitude to those serving in the military is evident in the display's attention to detail and meticulous construction.

Millions may visit Washington's war memorials and be appropriately moved and inspired. But the sincerity expressed in a simple construction of wood, glass, screws and glue has moved me more than several thousand tons of granite and bronze.
Ernest Landante Jr.
East Brunswick