Belleville’s Veterans Day celebration set for this weekend

Belleville will once say “thank you” to the brave and patriotic Americans who have served in the military — on Sunday, Nov. 12.

The day will begin with the Belleville Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk, an event that raises important funds for township veterans’organizations, as well as supporting a scholarship fund created to aid a graduating Belleville senior.

There is age-based pricing for entrants under 18 (a $5 savings will be automatically applied when you sign up at runsignup.com) and for active or retired military members (a $10 savings by entering the coupon code “MIL” at checkout). Also, first responders may save $5 by entering the coupon code “FIRST” at checkout.

Bib pickups will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.

This is a disposable chip timed 5K run; the course is certified for all serious runners.

The run/walk will be followed by Belleville’s annual Veterans Day Parade, stepping off at noon.

Several community organizations, civic groups and local clubs will participate in the parade, which begin at the Veterans Memorial at Union and Tiona avenues.

“Our Veterans Day events foster community connections, increase civic pride and encourage healthy lifestyles through exercise. But, most importantly, it is how we help say `thank you’ to Belleville’s Veterans,” Mayor Michael A. Melham, who will again be participating in the 5K run, said. “I urge all Belleville residents to come out and show their gratitude to these men and women who have bravely served our country.”

For more information, call (973) 450-3345.

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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, a place where he has served on and off since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on Facebook Live, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to West Hudson to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.