Rep. Garrett 'Inspired' by Ridgewood Vet Jesse Canella

New Jersey Congressman Scott Garrett (R-5th) said Tuesday that he was inspired by Ridgewood's own Jesse Canella, of HonorVet.org.

Garrett, who opened the 101st Ridgewood 4th of July parade with the flag raising, handed out copies of the U.S. Constitution to Ridgewood 5th graders before riding in the parade with Canella in a top-down convertible.

"Each July, Ridgewood shines as an example of how best to honor the birth of our great nation,” said Garrett in a press release on Tuesday.

“While I always enjoy participating in Independence Day celebrations, my experience in Ridgewood this year was truly special because I had the opportunity to enjoy the day with Jesse," the conservative Congressman said.

"A hometown hero and true American patriot, Jesse is someone whose commitment to our country and the men and women who serve it is truly inspiring. I thank him for his honorable service to our nation and his dedication to his fellow veteran service members."

"I am so flattered that he asked me to attend the Ridgewood 4th of July parade with him," said Canella of Garrett's request. "It wasn't long ago that I was driving down the roads in Iraq on deployment; it's hard to believe I was in the parade with Congressman Garrett," whom Canella praised for his 'deep commitment' to veterans and their families.

"His passion to support the military community is both clear and pure," Canella said.

Canella's organization, HonorVet.org, . By combining a social media component to bring employment to veterans as well as professional services to aide those dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and myriad of other afflictions, Canella's been traveling extensively to fund-raise and network.

Just back from Newport Beach, California where a fundraiser yielded $100,000 and featured speakers Sen. McCain and Lou Zamperini, an author, WWII war hero and Olympic athlete–Canella is hardly done.

The 25-year-old Ridgewood resident is working on organizing a gala concert in New York this November featuring two big musical acts.

Check back with Patch in a few days to hear much more about what HonorVet has been doing lately.