Assemblyman Guy Gregg

GREGG APPLAUDS ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION
NOT TO CHARGE ATTENDEES TO ENTER
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATIONJune 8, 2006

Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422
Assembly Republican office/609-292-5339

Assemblyman Guy Gregg today applauded the decision by Jose Fernandez, Director of New Jersey's Division of Parks and Forestry, a sub-division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, not to charge American Legion members and their families an entrance fee to participate in a Memorial Day celebration in High Point State Park. High Point State Park is the home of the High Point Monument which was built between 1928 and 1930 to honor all war veterans.

"I am glad we were able to clear up this misunderstanding," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "After extensive discussions with administration officials and my office, we were able to come to an agreement that it was in everyone's best interest to continue the tradition of allowing participants to enter the park free of charge."

Historically, the Division of Parks and Forestry granted people free passes to participate in the American Legion Post 213 Memorial Day celebration in High Point State Park. However, this year, administration officials had originally indicated they would no longer provide free entrance passes for the event, scheduled for June 25.

"After spending most of yesterday in communication with my office, I am pleased Director Fernandez took our concerns into consideration and worked quickly to resolve this situation," Gregg said. "Everyone was able to come together to support and honor our veterans."

Gregg said it is an honor and a responsibility to take time to remember the soldiers who have so valiantly served our country.

"People have given their lives to protect the freedoms we so often take for granted," Gregg stated. "We need to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices our veterans have made on behalf of this country. The administration made, what I believe is, a reasonable accommodations so our veterans can participate in a Memorial Day celebration."

The American Legion is a veterans' community-service organization. They have nearly 3 million members -- men and women -- in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide.

"Memorial Day has become one of the most important days of recognition of our armed forces," Gregg concluded. "I encourage everyone who supports our veterans and the work of the American Legion to come join in the event."

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