Freehold Borough Honors Local Veterans With New Recognition Program

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — This Independence Day, Freehold Borough will honor the service of five local veterans with the unveiling of its inaugural Veteran Recognition Sign Program.

Nearly two years in the making, this initiative reflects the community’s deep appreciation for the men and women who have defended the nation’s freedom.

Following a 9 a.m. reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, signs bearing each honoree’s name and branch of service will officially be installed at locations throughout the borough.

The program's first five inductees span multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and represent decades of distinguished service:

• Robert Doane: U.S. Navy (Dates of Service: 12/14/1942 – 11/30/1945)
• William Madden: U.S. Navy (Dates of Service: 3/28/1946 – 2/24/1948)
• Charles Butkus: U.S. Marine Corps (Dates of Service: 4/2/1951 – 4/1/1954)
• Edward Daley: U.S. Army (Dates of Service: 11/1/1965 – 10/31/1971)
• Russell Taylor: U.S. Navy (Dates of Service: 1981–1985; 2001–2010)

The Veteran Recognition Sign Program was spearheaded by Dan Xavier, a Freehold resident and U.S. Army Veteran. Over the past two years, Xavier has collaborated with veterans’ organizations, local officials and community members to bring this initiative to life.

“Freehold has such a rich history of military service — this community has always answered the call,” Xavier said. “Over the years, a number of residents expressed a desire for something more permanent to honor our local veterans. I’m both thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to help make this happen.”

Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane praised the program as “an enduring tribute to those who have selflessly served.”

“Freehold Borough is proud to be recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Municipality, and it is only fitting that we honor the contributions of our veterans through special tributes like this,” Kane said. “We are grateful to Dan and the Veterans Committee for bringing this meaningful initiative to life — thank you.”

Council Member Annette Jordan, an early supporter and key advocate of the program, also emphasized the program’s importance in fostering civic pride and community engagement.

“This program was originally submitted by several residents through the Participatory Budgeting (PB) process,” Jordan said. “While it didn’t meet all the criteria to move forward as a PB project, the committee felt it was too important to let go.”

“Dan, a member of the PB committee, stepped up to take the lead — and here we are today,” Jordan continued. “This project reinforces our residents’ priorities and underscores just how vital it is for community members to participate and make their voices heard.”

The public is encouraged to attend the borough’s July 4 ceremony, where each veteran’s name will be read aloud and their personalized street sign will be unveiled.

The signs will remain in place year-round, serving as a lasting reminder of their courage, sacrifice and connection to Freehold.

To learn more or nominate a future inductee, residents can visit the Freehold Borough website or contact the Freehold Veteran Recognition Committee at freeholdboroveterans@gmail.com.