Senate Passes Singleton, Oroho Bill to Rename High Point State Park to Honor Veterans

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Troy Singleton and Senator Steve Oroho that would designate High Point State Park as High Point Veterans’ State Park was passed by the full Senate today.

“Since its’ inception, the High Point Veterans’ Monument has stood as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice made by our citizens during World War I,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington).  “It is all the more fitting that the land it sits upon, and the park in which it is located, also be dedicated to our veterans. By renaming this area, High Point Veterans’ State Park, we are reminding everyone of the brave men and women – past and present – who have defended our great nation.”

The bill, S-542, would rename High Point State Park to High Point Veterans’ State Park to honor the original intent of its creation.

In 1920 Director Alfred Gaskil of the Division of Forestry and Parks suggested that the State establish a park at High Point as the State’s memorial to its citizens who had made the supreme sacrifice in World War I.  In fulfillment of this plan, Colonel Anthony Kuser deeded his mountaintop summer estate at High Point to the state in 1923 for a public park and avian sanctuary.  In November 1927, Colonel Kuser further donated $500,000 to erect a granite-clad obelisk on New Jersey’s highest peak to honor the veterans of all wars.  The High Point Veterans’ Monument was dedicated on June 24, 1930.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 39-0.