Borough Plans Memorial for Fallen Soldier

Borough officials say a memorial service planned for this Saturday will be an opportunity for locals to honor the life and service of a 39-year-old Ramsey High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan last month.

Family members of Staff Sgt. Eric Christian have been working with the town to plan a memorial for Christian, who was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in May.

The memorial is set for Saturday. A memorial procession will begin from the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wyckoff Avenue at 11:30 a.m.

The parade will travel up Main Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park. A noon service will be held at the park, followed by a reception from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Mahwah Elks Club, 1 Foxwood Lane, Mahwah. 

According to Christian family friend Jody Muti, several groups are set to march in the memorial, including Marine Corps units, the NJ State Police, NJ State Police bagpipers, the Nam Knights, Patriot Guard, and the Mahwah Marine Moms. A large flag flying over Main Street and a helicopter flyover are also planned. Christian’s family members, who no longer live in Ramsey, are expected to attend.

At a recent council meeting, Mayor Chris Botta said he encourages members of the community to attend the ceremony.

“We are going to come together to honor [Christian’s] memory, and his service to our community and our country,” Botta said.

“These events serve as reminders…that the wars over there aren’t just over there.” 

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