BY SUSAN MCTIGUE
NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS CORRESPONDENT
Closter lost too many sons to the Vietnam War, so three beautiful parks in the borough have been dedicated in their honor and memory. Schauble Park for Cpl. Kenneth W. Schauble, Mollicone Park for 1st Lt. Donald A. Mollicone and now an improved Amendola Park for Capt. James J. Amendola serve as reminders of their service and sacrifice.
On Saturday, July 29, the anniversary of Green Beret Amendola’s death in an ambush near Tra Cu, Eagle Scout Daniel Cho presented his project to Amendola’s family and his community. Proudly accompanied by his parents Timothy and So Young and his brother Jason, Daniel unveiled three informational panels and a stone viewing bench where vistors can learn more about this local hero.
The park was dedicated originally in 1969, then renovated and rededicated in 2001. This most recent enhancement was heartily welcomed by those in attendance.
Amendola’s son Jay (James, Jr.) was just 3 months old when his father died and they never had the chance to meet. Now 48 years old, Jay explained in his remarks that he and his family always visit the park on their way through New Jersey on their way home to Brockton, Mass. His own daughters grew up believing this was their own personal park. Jay’s family, including his mother Jean, wife Cheryl, and daughters Angela, Jayne and Kelly, also attended the dedication ceremony. His fourth daughter Crystal stayed at home about to give birth to James J. Amendola’s great-grandchild.
Closter Mayor John Glidden, who served as an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, gave a heartfelt speech about Amendola’s service and sacrifice. He also praised the Boy Scouts organization, which helps shape youngsters into honorable and hard-working adults with a duty to others.
American Legion Commander Joe Organo explained that those service men and women who have given their lives to their country belong to a very special group and extended Closter’s thanks to the Amendolas. He recalled his own early days in basic training for the Korean War, when he knew nothing about pitching a tent or starting a fire. But a group of fellow recruits from Brooklyn taught him these basic skills, explaining that they’d learned all this during their days as Boy Scouts.
The park is located on Willow Road off Piermont Road in Closter.Photos by Susan McTigue