Eagle Scout’s Project Renews Woodbine WWI Memorial

WOODBINE – One hundred years ago the United States was still three years away from entering the conflagration known as World War I that had engulfed the globe. But in 1917 that changed and the dogs of war were even unleashed in the tiny Borough of Woodbine.
Many of her sons went off to fight the Huns, as the Axis Armies were known at the time. When it ended and they returned the home town honored them with a beautiful memorial in the shape of a victorious bronze eagle, wings unfurled, ready to soar. Beneath his wing span were the names of the warriors.
Time and the elements had taken their toll in five score years and the monument needed refurbishing. Nicholas R. Schalek was looking for an appropriate Eagle Scout project. When he learned that the World War I monument needed some touching up, he knew he had found his project.
Just as the soldiers who crossed the Atlantic to bail out England and France in 1917, Schalek enlisted support of his family and community members. His dad had been an Eagle Scout, his aunt helped with the new benches, Mayor William Pikolycky promised the aid necessary from borough officials and of course there was his scout troop.
A new bronze plaque commemorated the rededication and is placed below the original. The Sept. 7 ceremony was well attended by citizens and dignitaries.
Invocation was lead by James Papperman of Troop 76, the flag raising was directed by Frederick Schalek and Bernard Becker.
Pikolycky made a few remarks. Councilmen Douglas Watkins and Clarence Ryan joined in the ceremony.
When Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton spoke he recalled a conversation he had with his grandfather, Gus, who was a veteran of the Great War.
“I was about 6 or 7 and my grandfather and I were making homemade root beer. I asked him what the war was like,” said Thornton. His granddad, who had fought at the Battle of the Argonne Woods, which began on Sept. 26, 1918 and ended 47 days later after the Americans had suffered 100,000 casualties, told him of the awful carnage and especially “the smells.” “That was 40 years later,” Thornton declared. “It was a poignant moment.”
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak, (both D-1st), a decorated Army veteran of the war in Afghanistan who served from 2005 until 2010, and AMVET State Commander James Spreng made a few remarks.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Samuel Downes, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Allen and Fire Chief Manny Gonzalez placed a memorial wreath.
Because of the dedication of an Eagle Scout Woodbine’s World War I memorial has gained a new lease on life. It will continue to honor the men who fought to “make the world safe for democracy” for another 100 years.