ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) – As Memorial Day approaches, the Andover Township Police Department is reaffirming its commitment to honoring fallen service members through the continued upkeep of the USS Bunker Hill Memorial.
Located along Route 206 just south of the Newton town line, the memorial honors more than 300 sailors and Marines who died aboard the USS Bunker Hill during a kamikaze attack in May 1945 in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
For years, Sgt. Diklich has led the department’s efforts to maintain the site, taking personal pride in ensuring it remains a place of reflection and remembrance for the community and the families of the fallen.
“The USS Bunker Hill Memorial is more than just stone and metal — it is a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of our armed forces,” the department said in a statement. “Maintaining it is not just a duty for our department; it is a privilege.”
In advance of Memorial Day weekend, officers cleaned the site, refreshed the landscaping, and placed new flags and flowers to prepare the monument for visitors.
The police department encourages residents to visit the memorial and pay their respects during the holiday weekend.
The original anchor at the site was stolen in June 2015, but with help from a generous donor, a replacement was installed.
The department invites the public to join them in honoring all who have served, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
