Singleton, Oroho Bill to Rename High Point State Park to Honor Veterans Clears Committee

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senator Steve Oroho that would designate High Point State Park as High Point Veterans’ State Park cleared the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today.

“For nearly 90 years, the High Point Veterans’ Monument has stood as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice made by our citizens during World War I,” said Singleton (D-Burlington).  “It is all the more fitting that the land it sits upon, and the park in which it is located, also be dedicated to our veterans. By renaming this area, High Point Veterans’ State Park, we are reminding anyone who visits this natural treasure of the brave men and women – past and present – who defend our great nation.”

The bill, S-542, would rename High Point State Park to High Point Veterans’ State Park to honor the original intent of its creation.

In 1920 Director Alfred Gaskil of the Division of Forestry and Parks suggested that the State establish a park at High Point as the State’s memorial to its citizens who had made the supreme sacrifice in World War I.  In fulfillment of this plan, Colonel Anthony Kuser deeded his mountaintop summer estate at High Point to the state in 1923 for a public park and avian sanctuary.  In November 1927, Colonel Kuser further donated $500,000 to erect a granite-clad obelisk on New Jersey’s highest peak to honor the veterans of all wars.  The High Point Veterans’ Monument was dedicated on June 24, 1930.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 4-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.