The parking spaces are a way of honoring and recognizing local veterans who have served in the military
Mayor Joann Gattinelli and Business Administrator Jason Gonter unveiled newly designated parking spots for veterans at the Municipal Building, police station and senior center last week.
According to Gattinelli, the signs were one of the first projects she and Gonter worked on this year, and she is proud to see it finally become a reality.
“In the beginning, Jason and I had talked about what we could do to better serve the veterans of this area and we came up with the idea,” Gattinelli said. “He had some information in reference to the signs itself, and now here we are.”
Wounded Warrior Family Support, an independent nonprofit organization that offers support to families of wounded, injured or killed veterans during combat, donated each sign. The WWFS website said the organization “aids veterans and their families in healing the wounds that medicine cannot.”
The Washington Township Public Works Department painted each parking spot with a purple outline, representing the Purple Heart honor.
“With many members of my family, in particular my father, being a two-tour Vietnam veteran, I was very proud to be involved in this project and work with Mayor Gattinelli to acknowledge and honor our veterans,” Gonter said.
According to Gonter, you do not need a tag or form identification stating you are a veteran to park in the spots, however the preference is to have the space available for veterans and will be used as an honor system.
According to the WWFS website, “there are an estimated 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients and combat wounded service members who have transitioned back to civilian life.” To recognize these warriors, the organization offers the Combat Wounded Parking Signs, free of charge.
“I had three members in my family that received the Purple Heart Medal, and my uncle and father-in-law were POWs for over a year,” said Robert Timmon, a member of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board and U.S. Army veteran. “Their wounds healed but their memories remained with them forever.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2011 and 2015, there were approximately 2,446 veterans residing in Washington Township. Gattinelli and Gonter believe the parking spots are just one of the ways the municipality can recognize these honorable residents.
“The special parking spots are a great gesture to let the men and women who have served our country know we recognize, and will always respect, their sacrifice,” Timmons said.
