Veterans stepped up to preserve Doughboy statue
The transfer of the military monument from the Route 36 Highlands Bridge to the grounds of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was both a solemn and heartfelt occasion.

While the N.J. Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has recklessly destroyed what records indicate was a portion of a National Historic Landmark known as the Lighthouse Dock, and apparently encroached without authorization upon state parkland, the entire Bayshore community is happy and relieved that preparations were undertaken by our VFW to protect and save the monument. Mission accomplished, job well done.

I am aware as a supporter and taxpayer that the Citizens for Rational Coastal Development is continuing the fight against the illconceived and deceptive plans of the NJDOT, which has repeatedly ignored the rule of law as well as the protests of the community.

Like the famous Doughboy, which has stood for so many years as a constant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of all men and women who served their neighbors and stood against evil, the people of Highlands, Sea Bright and surrounding towns will continue to stand up against a Trenton bureaucracy which has absolutely no respect for the integrity and beauty of our community.

I am confident that the removal of the Doughboy soldier does not mark the end but rather the beginning of a renewed fight to question and challenge the conduct of local and state officials who have used inaccuracies, misrepresentation and omission to hide from the people what seems to be a pattern of deception and misconduct.

While our local veterans took the initiative to protect that historic monument, we now must urge Gov. Jon Corzine and other lawmakers to take the initiative and begin a fullscale investigation into what can only be described as improper conduct, which is an assault on the doctrine of fair dealing and honest government.

Jim White

Keyport