Always Patriotic. Always Audubon.
As the self-proclaimed “Most Patriotic Small Town in America,” the borough of Audubon always approaches the Independence Day holiday with eagerness and excitement. Not only do Audubon residents pack the parade route to enjoy displays of patriotism and community spirit, but those who have moved away come back to town for the beloved tradition as well.
This year’s parade theme is “Always Patriotic, Always Audubon: Honoring Audubon’s History as “The Most Patriotic Small Town in America,” Home to Three Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients.
In reflecting on the birth of our nation, now celebrating its 250th year, there is much to take pride in. Our Founding Fathers had an extraordinary vision for their time: a government truly for the people, by the people. Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence are the core ideals that define our national identity: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Unfortunately, freedom has often come with a cost. Estimates place the total number of US military fatalities at over 1.3 million lives from 1775 to present day. Our small town of Audubon, NJ, just 1.5 square miles in size, has also seen our share of service and of loss. Audubon is recognized as the smallest area in the country to lay claim to three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients: Samuel M. Sampler, Nelson V. Brittin, and Edward C. Benfold. Sadly, they represent a small fraction of the more than 40 service members from Audubon who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Rather than allowing these tragedies to discourage us, the residents of Audubon have chosen to honor our fallen servicemen through attendance at the funeral for World War I heroes, James L. Murray and William T. Troutt, in 1920, and dedication of memorials to those who served our nation in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as our Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
Reflecting on his experience attending the dedication ceremony to the latter in 1994, Mark E. Furgusson III, former Commander of the USS Benfold (DDG-65) later wrote “What struck me then, and remains with me today... are the vivid images of patriotism and the intense pride of the town on the 4th of July... It was the manifestation of a type of patriotism, loyalty to community, and pride in our past that I have rarely seen, let alone experience outside of the military.” LCDR Sinclair Harris wrote, “I can’t conceive of many other towns of Audubon’s population giving three of her sons to the defense of our great nation in the same way. It symbolized what we all cherish in the military... a people that are patriotic not only in word but in deed, even unto death. The tribute of the people of Audubon was a fitting memorial and one that I will not forget.”
A portion of the front cover of the July 4th program booklet, delivered to Audubon residents. The cover was designed by Civic REACH summer graphic design intern, Lucas Apicella, and features the photography of Audubon resident, Patrick Anthony, depicting our local bald eagle.
Paying tribute to a sampling of Audubon’s servicemembers, most of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country:
Samuel M. Sampler
In memory of his bold charge through hostile fire resulting in the surrender of twenty-eight enemy soldiers near St. Etienne, France, 8 October 1918. He died on 19 November 1979.
Edward C. Benfold
In memory of the selfless sacrificing of his own life for the lives of two countrymen he was treating while defending the wounded. He was killed in Korea on 5 September 1952.
Nelson V. Brittin
In memory of his courageous leadership under fire while wounded which inspired his company and helped defeat the enemy. He was killed in battle at Yonggong-ni, Korea on 7 March 1951.
James L. Murray
In memory of his service as a US Army ambulance driver and ward master at the American Red Cross Military Hospital No. 3 in Paris during World War I. He died from pneumonia in Nantes, France on 20 October 1918.
William T. Troutt
In memory of his service in the US Army during World War I. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Argonne Forest in France on 18 October 1918.
A. Fletcher “Dewey” Parker
In memory of his service in three wars, and enlistment in the Navy in World War II, during which time he perished at the age of 47. He also served in the Audubon fire and police departments.
Joseph M. Weiglein
In memory of his twelve years of service at home and abroad. He was killed in action in Iraq on 29 May 2007. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
Thank you as always to our residents and businesses that make donations to keep these events going! A special thanks to our Platinum parade sponsors: Civic Solutions, Bach Associates, and Frank Woodwind & Brass Repair.
