A rededication ceremony of the John Basilone Memorial Field was held on October 25. The ceremony included a historic unveiling of a monument in honor of John Basilone and the reopening of the field after meticulous renovation.
John Basilone was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and the only Marine to receive both a Medal of Honor and a Navy Cross in World War II. John Basilone enlisted in the U.S Army in July 1934. Unfortunately, he passed away almost 11 years later on February 19, 1945 on the first day of the Iwo Jima Invasion. He died to Japanese forces as he maintain his guns in action even though he was being attacked by larger forces. His heroic actions greatly contributing to American victory.
John Basilone’s roots run deep in Raritan, New Jersey as it was his hometown. Upon his arrival home in 1942 after receiving the Medal of Honor, he was honored with a “Welcome Home Parade” that over 30,000 people attended. This parade honored his selfless and heroic actions against Japanese forces, which helped defeat opposing forces at Guadalcanal.
Basilone’s monument may have stayed forgotten in time, and likely would have not found its home in Bridgewater, if it were not for a construction superintendent. The monument was discovered fairly recently in a demolition project in Newark, New Jersey by construction superintendent Nick Rello.
Rello then communicated with Kim Van Note, John Basilone’s niece, to move the monument to its new home in Bridgewater.
The John Basilone Memorial and rededication ceremony was attended by a distinguished crowd, including mayors, town council members, government officials, Marine Corps, the Navy and members of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Class of 1962. Kim Van Note and Nick Rello were also in attendance.
To commence the ceremony, the American flag was raised and the national anthem was beautifully played by members of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Marching Band.
Speeches were then presented by those involved in the movement of the monument, such as Rello and Kim Van Note. Speeches were also shared by individuals who had stories to tell about John Basilone and his enduring legacy.
In honor of the event, district Superintendent of Schools Robert Beers and Board of Education President Barry Walker were presented a certificate for the district by Congressman Thomas Kean Jr.
As a member of the Basilone family, a touching moment was felt as Kim Van Note was presented a flag in honor of her uncle John Basilone.
After words of wisdom and honor were told, the monument itself was unveiled. A ceremonial ribbon was cut to signify the official rededication of the Basilone field and the new monument’s placement.
The ceremony held major significance as the reopening of the Athletic Field after renovation of the field house, a new field entry, a repaved parking lot, entirely new home bleachers and new bathrooms.
This renovation signifies completion of one step in the path of the district’s $155 million referendum. The next phase of the Basilone field project will follow in the summer of 2025, replacing the visitor bleachers and the track.
