In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, Mahwah township veteran John Fesen is continuing a meaningful initiative he started three years ago by giving away free lawn signs to fellow military personnel. This marks the fourth year of his effort, which has become a heartfelt tradition in the community. Fesen, who has funded this initiative himself, takes pride in paying for the design, production, and distribution of these signs, which display messages such as “A veteran lives here” and “Mahwah salutes your service!” Notably, he does not accept donations, emphasizing the purely altruistic nature of his endeavor.
At 78 years old, Fesen has a distinguished background, having served as a private in the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, between 1969 and 1970. After his military service, he built a career as a retired consultant with PepsiCo and Unilever, showcasing his commitment to both community service and professional excellence. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Fesen is currently running for a position on the Mahwah council, demonstrating his desire to contribute to local governance and community improvement.
On November 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to receive the signs at Veteran’s Memorial Park, located at the intersection of Franklin Turnpike and Miller Road. The availability of these signs is limited, which adds a sense of urgency for veterans in the area. To ensure that no veteran is left out, Fesen also offers to deliver signs directly to veteran homes upon request via email at his listed contact. This personal touch reinforces his commitment to honoring veterans and enhancing their visibility within the township.
Fesen’s primary objective behind this generous gesture is to publicly recognize and appreciate the bravery and service of Mahwah’s veterans. He believes that it is vital to identify and celebrate those who have served in the military, fostering a sense of community and gratitude among residents. By providing these lawn signs, he hopes to instill pride in service members and remind the broader community of their sacrifices.
The initiative not only spotlights veterans but serves to bolster community spirit in Mahwah. It encourages residents to engage with their local veteran population and promotes a culture of respect and acknowledgment for military service. As a visible expression of gratitude, these lawn signs contribute to a communal atmosphere where veterans feel recognized and appreciated for their contributions to the country.
In summary, John Fesen’s initiative highlights the importance of community involvement and appreciation for those who have served in the military. His relentless commitment to recognizing Mahwah’s veterans through his free lawn sign initiative exemplifies both his dedication to honoring their service and his desire to strengthen community bonds. As he steps into his campaign for council, this effort not only underscores his qualifications as a candidate but also serves as a reminder to all residents of the importance of acknowledging and supporting those who have fought for their freedoms.
