45° and Sunny
Image
BRIDGEWATER –Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) History instructor Ed Graf was honored as the Vice Grand Marshal for the 2026 John Basilone Parade held on September 20th in acknowledgement of his commitment to Gold Star Families, veterans, and active service members.
Mr. Graf is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the infantry and receiving specialized training at the Jungle Warfare School and completing Advanced Infantry training. “I joined the Army after college as an enlisted man because I wanted to give back to our nation. I picked the hardest job I could at the time, an infantry soldier,” he said.
For close to 20 years, Mr. Graf has been the driving force behind a number of activities that teach his students about the sacrifice and commitment made by members of the armed forces and their families. In 2007, he started “Proud to be an American Day,” which gives students the opportunity to honor Gold Star Families whose service members have paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation. Students prepare and deliver speeches honoring each of the service members whose families are able to attend, then serve them lunch and join them, as well as a number of veterans in attendance, to find out the stories behind their service. The event has included displays of military vehicles, cannon salutes, and helicopter landings, as well as musical performances from a number of groups.
In addition to “Proud to be an American Day,” which is completely funded by benefactors in the community, Mr. Graf organizes a number of donation drives to benefit active service members stationed around the world. He has also organized fundraising events that have raised over $200,000 dollars for wounded veterans and other causes related to honoring and supporting those who serve or have served in the armed forces.
For Mr. Graf, one of the highlights of the John Basilone Parade was the opportunity to meet U.S.M.C Vietnam War veteran Major General James E. Livingston, one of only sixty-one living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The foundation of Mr. Graf’s efforts is a belief that students should be aware of the sacrifices made by members of the military, such as John Basilone and Major General Livingston, and their families in service to our country. He acknowledges that the success of the programs he has put together is not a solo effort. When asked how he felt about his selection as Vice Grand Marshal, Mr. Graf said, “I realize that my efforts do not compare to the greatness of Major General Livingston's heroism and receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor; I too feel that the award of Vice Grand Marshal for the John Basilone Parade is for the students and all of our supporters. It is an honor shared by all of us"
More News from Raritan
- Police Vehicles "GO PINK " This October in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness These seven vehicles will be utilized for community engagements throughout Somerset County.
- Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault From the Office of the Attorney General Jennifer Davenport
