HARDYSTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Hardyston Township honored local military veterans and dedicated Post Road in memory of former Mayor and longtime Councilman Frank Cicerale during its annual Veterans Day ceremony Saturday, Nov. 7.
According to Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, the ceremony brought together local officials, veterans and community members to recognize those who served in the U.S. military and remember veterans who have died.
Fantasia attended the ceremony alongside state Sen. Parker Space, Sussex County Commissioner Alan Henderson, Mayor Stanley Kula and members of the Hardyston Township Council.
The keynote speaker was Robert Tagliabue of Lafayette, a retired U.S. Marine Corps chief warrant officer 4 who served as a Marine Gunner in Afghanistan. In that role, Tagliabue advised commanders on the use of infantry weapons in combat.
Tagliabue continues to use his military experience as a range safety officer at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy. According to Fantasia, his remarks focused on solidarity, shared purpose and love of country.
As part of the township’s annual tradition, Councilman Carl Miller, a U.S. Air Force veteran, read aloud the names of veterans recognized on Hardyston’s Memorial Honor Walk.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to thank veterans in attendance while remembering those who have died, including Bret Alemy, a former high school classmate of Fantasia who served in the U.S. Air Force and later became Hardyston’s police chief.
A special portion of the ceremony honored Cicerale, a Vietnam-era Marine Corps veteran who served from 1965 to 1971 before dedicating decades of service to Hardyston Township as mayor and councilman.
According to Fantasia, Cicerale participated in the township’s annual Veterans Day ceremony every year and was remembered for his commitment to both his country and community.
With Cicerale’s wife, Vally, in attendance, township officials dedicated Post Road in his name, recognizing his military service and years of public service to Hardyston.
Fantasia described the dedication as a heartfelt tribute to a man who served his country and community with honor.
She also thanked Hardyston Township for continuing its annual Veterans Day tradition and expressed appreciation to veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.
