Hunterdon County Commissioners attend 1st Lieutenant Dale Harry Haver Memorial Greenway dedication
READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Hunterdon County Commissioner Deputy Director Susan J. Soloway along with Commissioners John Lanza and Shaun C. Van Doren, and Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown Saturday attended a ceremony in honor of 1st Lieutenant Dale Harry Haver, a deceased Vietnam veteran and former resident.
The event included the dedication of a Greenway in Readington Township where Lieutenant Haver played baseball and explored trails as a young boy.
“On behalf of my colleagues on the Commissioner Board, I would like to express our collective gratitude to everyone that was involved in organizing today’s special ceremony. 1st Lt. Haver was a courageous son of Hunterdon County, who served our nation with valor and bravery. The dedication of this greenway, bearing his name, stands as a living tribute to his memory, ensuring that his legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire us all,” Soloway said.
Lieutenant Haver was a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. On April 9, 1969, the helicopter he was piloting experience mechanical difficulties and crashed. Despite suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns, Lt. Haver managed to assist the remaining members of his flight crew from the wreckage, only to succumb to his fatal wounds two days later.
In 2022, the Hunterdon County Veterans Recognition Medal was awarded posthumously to Lieutenant Dale Haver of Readington and accepted by family members. Additionally, Lieutenant Haver was awarded numerous medals posthumously for his gallant service including, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Broze Star, the Air Medal with 1st through 7th Oak Leaf Clusters, and the National Order of Viet Nam – Fifth Class.
“To the family of Lieutenant Haver, many of whom are with us today – Dale’s service to and his ultimate sacrifice for our nation are greatly appreciated by those of us gathered here, and all the people of Hunterdon County. We consider ourselves fortunate to have this chance to honor him,” Soloway said.
The program included the landing of a Black Hawk Helicopter, piloted by U.S. Army Sergeant James Bolek, Honor Guard presentation, and musical selections by the Hunterdon Central Marching Band. Keynote speaker for the event was U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tison, also in attendance was a representative from the office of Congressman Tom Kean Jr., Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, and Readington Township Mayor Adam Mueller.
The event was held at the East Whitehouse Fire Company, in Whitehouse, followed by a reception at the Whitehouse Fire & Rescue Squad building, located on Main Street. The late Dale Haver’s twin brother, Don, spoke on behalf of the family and thanked those in attendance for the beautiful dedication.
