New Mosque in Flanders and Everyone is Welcome!

BY MARYANNE CHRISTIANO-MISTRETTA STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - The Islamic Society of North Jersey officially opened a new mosque September 2022, and all are invited.

“We participate in interfaith group,” said Ahmed Soliman, president of The Islamic Society of North Jersey (ISNJ). “We reach out to our neighbors, about who we are. We invite them to eat with us; see how peaceful we are,” he said. “Our religion respects any religion. We have respect for whatever you feel, whatever you believe, that’s your right.”

ISNJ started back in 1999 with a full mosque in Hackettstown. The new mosque in Flanders was bought in 2021. It took a year to turn the two-story brick building into a mosque. On the first floor there’s an open space to pray. There are no pews like a church. The second-floor hosts Sunday school classes. “We teach our kids the language of Koran, our holy book” said Soliman. “We teach our kids how to behave, the dangers of drugs in the street, and violence. We are a peaceful community. We try to be responsible people in our community, to help, to be recognized, to be part of the community together.”

ISNJ recently celebrated Ramadan, which is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and observed by Muslims worldwide.

It’s a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It lasts 29 to 30 days. Fasting is from dawn to sunset.

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“We get together, relatives, in the mosque, usually Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights to celebrate and eat together,” said Soliman. “All this is grateful to God. In Arabic, we say ‘Allah’, in English it is God. My Allah is your God.”

Soliman explained that the Islamic religion is similar to

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Christianity, with some differences. “God is unique,” he said. “He is not human. He is completely different, a supreme being. Islam means to submit to Allah. We believe in Heaven and Hell. We believe in prophets. All prophets are equal—Muhammad, Jesus, Abraham. God chose these people to be messengers.”

Continuing, Soliman further explained, “God revealed his guidance to Moses. Time changed. People forgot. Jesus came with the same message as Moses. Muhammad came with a messuage. It’s up to us, to use it in this world.”

When visiting a mosque,

Soliman explained that it’s the same as a church as long as you are covered respectfully. “We don’t force women, but ask to be respectful,” he said.

“Your body as a woman is sacred. You don’t show to anybody but your husband.” That said, Soliman stresses that if you read the Koran carefully, women have rights. “Women are equal to men in every manner,” he said.

Soliman also emphasized that the Koran said to respect the country’s law when you are living in it, regardless of what you think. ‘Every country has its own laws,” he said. “There’s a guideline for every country.”

Fifty years ago, Soliman came to America from Egypt, getting his education here. He’s worked with Pfizer for over 20 years and has been residing in Budd Lake for the past 35 years. “It’s a blessed country,” he said. “Whatever you want, you get it. Work hard, you get what you’re looking for.”

Now retired, in addition to his responsibilities as president of ISNJ, Soliman’s involved in all kinds of activities with his kids and grandkid, such as camping, going to beaches, and playing tennis. “It’s a normal life,” he said. For more information on ISNJ, visit: https://isnj.net/ a promise that we wouldn’t use taxpayers’ money.”

Uhrmann kept her promise: The AVM is a nonprofit 501©3 organization.

It took 18 months to raise enough donations to fund the first part of the AVM memorial, she explains.

After the war monument was moved to the site, Uhrmann said she was done, but that only lasted after she realized a sidewalk or path was needed to get to the site. So, she created the Path to Enduring Freedom, which was supported by 115 donations from corporations and community sponsors.

“We had people waiting in line to sponsor,” says Uhrmann, wanting to pave with names and ranks of loved ones who served in various wars.

Since then, the AVM has honored 1,973 U.S. Service Members by way of customized engraved Honorary Service Pavers, she says.

Once the foundation was set, Uhrmann added on the AVM every year with a new concept, followed by fundraising and then construction.

“The elements typically took me two years from conception, planning, fundraising and completion,” she notes.

To date, she has completed 16 elements at the AVM and is currently working on her 17th element with the Military Child monument. See sidebar. The phases include: Main Complex / Charlie Johnson Gazebo; Path To Enduring Freedom; 14 Bollards at the GWOT Bridge installed by Home Depot; War Dog Memorial; NorthStar Seating installed by Home Depot; Liberty Walkway; Spiritual Cenotaph; Warrior Obelisk; Bill of Rights Wall; Bollards (around parking lot) installed by Home Depot; POW/MIA/ PTSD Remembrance Wall; Ascension Bell; POW/MIA Podium; Reflection Sanctum (Prayer Garden); WWII Belgium display; Gen. Patton Walkway; and War Horse Memorial.

The creativity and attention to detail with each element really makes each phase its own masterpiece.

The War Dog Memorial, for example, honors dogs in five different wars. Each dog is sculptured as a replica and placed in its own theater representing the war it served.

“The foundation of each element contains meaningful memorabilia that either belonged to me, my family or was gifted to me by a combat veteran or family member while building the memorial,” says Uhrmann. “As an example, we encapsulated a full copy of the full Bill of Rights into a weatherproof tube and embedded it into the 70’ x 10.5’ Liberty Wall, where the first (ratified) ten amendments of the Bill of Rights tablets are displayed. Another example was the Spiritual Cenotaph. I received the dog tags of a WWII fallen warrior whose body was buried at Normandy American Cemetery in Normandy Beach, France from a family member. I placed his dog tags, along with a Purple Heart medallion into the cenotaph’s concrete base. I believed it was more than fitting since the Spiritual Cenotaph represents those brave warriors who never returned home from battle.”

And then there is the Warrior Obelisk. “The hands featured at the Warrior Obelisk are the same hands that built it,” she explains.

“I did my best to create a symbol synonymous with each consequence of war,” she explains. “Bondage best represented the POW (Prisoner of War). Creating a visual of undernourished, boney hands tied together with twine seem to fit the overall image. I just needed to find a set of hands that fit what I was looking for. For months I caught myself looking at everyone’s hands. It was not until I was having a conversation with a stranger, when she asked me if my hands gave me pain. I responded ‘no, why?’

She replied, ‘your hands look like they have seen better days.’

It was at that moment I found the perfect hands to use for the POW section of the Warrior Obelisk. The bounded hands featured are mine.”

Each element at the AVM has been fully funded by private, non-profit organizations and/or corporate sponsorships, notes Uhrmann. Sponsorships are acknowledged on each element placard: Denoting the name of the monument, a short description, sponsor and date formally dedicated.

“We have 70 sponsors recorded,” says Uhrmann. “Each element at the AVM is registered with the Library of Congress as an original piece. It took an approximate investment of two years per element from the planning stages to completion.”

More than Just Elements

After 15 years of dedication, commitment, hard work and creation, the AVM has turned into an “educational/ceremonial complex that touts our nation’s rich history,” says Uhrmann. The main complex is in the footprint of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

“The AVM not only serves as a formal ceremonial stage, it is also an educational complex where persons of all ages can learn about America’s rich history,” says Uhrmann. “Brief, but accurate facts and statistics surrounding our nation’s wars, war heroes, branches of service, commander in chief(s), consequences of war, Bill of Rights, branches of government, to the

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chronology of states entering the Union provide a unique opportunity and landscape for people to brush up on their U.S. history.

“We have a rich history,” she says. There’s the War Obelisk which was partially funded by the American Legions; a Cenotaph where every Bible and “scriptures known to our military” have been placed, “some entombed” that needed special handling.

The War Horse, Blueskin, was created with materials dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution; Bill of Rights; and POW/MIA PTSD Wall in which a 24-hour vigil is held annually by reading names and ranks of N.J.’s prisoners of war and those missing in action and ringing the ascension bell.

Since 2008, the AVM has hosted the Memorial Remembrance Day and National POW/ MIA 24 Hour Vigil, and over the years has held an Honorable Service Ceremony for fallen warriors on three occasions.

The three fallen warrior events held included Honorable Service Ceremonies for Sgt. Corey E. Garver on Monday May 27, 2019; PO2 Kevin Yali on Friday June 28, 2019; and Sgt. Michael James Goble on Monday May 25, 2020. The fourth ceremony is set for this May 29, for Col. Jeanne Murphy (Ret). See sidebar.

An Honorable Service Ceremony is held when a warrior is Killed In Action, says Uhrmann, to acknowledge his or her military service, to demonstrate gratitude to the fallen’s surviving family members so that they know their loved one’s service and sacrifice was not in vain.

The AVM has become the location for projects, education and volunteerism.

“We have had more than 3,000 volunteers over the years either participating in the AVM’s annual events or donating their time and services with construction or our annual Spring Clean-up,” she says.

Since her son’s Eagle Scout project, Uhrmann says “We are proud to be the home of three BSA Eagle Scout Community Projects.”

AVM’S Outreach Projects

The AVM has stepped outside its memorial grounds to help military overseas and veterans at home. Through Morris County Cares, Uhrmann says the AVM provided outreach services and requests to troops fighting overseas. Involved with the Iraq Bridging Campaign, the AVM helped with 1,200 shipments of supplies to Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Outreach – items ranging from: 600 lbs. of candy; 700 blankets; hygiene items; 120 Christmas/Easter gift bags to the families of Iraqi Soldiers in U.S. Military Training

Complex; baby supplies for orphanages; medical supplies to the IBN Military Hospital and school supplies to the newly built schools.

Volunteers gave “endless hours” collecting for homeless veterans, assembling severe weather backpacks, working with schools and gathering supplies through American Legions.

“Our financial and collection efforts were largely supported by the local community, nonprofits, and the Walmart Corporation who provided $70,000 grants to mail the items overseas,” she says.

Over the years, the AVM partnered with the Morris County American Legion in collecting and delivering 10,000 backpacks through the Helping Homeless Heroes/ Helping Homeless Hounds backpack program to provide needed items to homeless veterans, their canine partners and neighbors. No Shutdown at AVM

Even during COVID, the AVM held its events, continued its outreach efforts to provide an outlet for teens “to get out of the house,” be involved and have purpose and let N.J. Assisted Living Facility residents know they have not been forgotten.

During the pandemic with state and local mandates, the AVM sought special permission from the mayor to continue to host ceremonies via live stream for service members and their families, says Uhrmann. Though live participation was restricted to less than 25 participants – more than 3,000 viewers watched the ‘2021’ Memorial Day and POW/MIA ceremonies.

“Our efforts were shifted during the massive loss of life in N.J.’s Veteran Assisted Living / Nursing Homes during the pandemic,” says Uhrmann. “During this time, we again sought special permission for a limited number of volunteers to assemble Holiday Blessing Bags for the surviving residents throughout the entire state of N.J. While maintaining safety precautions for our volunteers who were primarily high school students and their parents, we were thanked for giving these students a much-needed reprieve from the lockdown.

“After 15 years of working closely with veterans and Gold Star Families, we understood the importance of maintaining as much normalcy as possible for them and the community at large,” justifies Uhrmann. “Our outdoor complex provided us a unique opportunity to continue to host our annual Memorial Day Ceremony in May and our POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil in September. Another restriction was that we provide face masks and hand sanitizers to those participating. Because participation was limited, BSA Troop 249 created wooden stands for the period uniforms to be displayed alongside the Path To Enduring Freedom.”

The mayor also allowed the AVM to use the Mt. Olive Senior Center during COVID for its Helping Homeless Heroes / Helping Homeless Hounds and the Holiday Blessing Box Campaign.

“Any event that the AVM held during the pandemic were all done in accordance with the social distancing policies that were set in place,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “I do recall the time we allowed the AVM to use the Senior Center for a weekend event to assemble the blessing boxes, again, all social distancing, masking, were to be followed.”

Uhrmann had a goal: “Over the 11 years of distributing severe weather backpacks to our homeless veterans and hounds, we were shy of only 53 backpacks before reaching our 10,000 mark,” says Uhrmann. “Because COVID was so contagious, we were prohibited from collecting product donations, but allowed to purchase the items needed to fill the backpacks; the same restrictions were applied to the Holiday Blessing Boxes. We received several monetary dona- tions from the same community supporters of the AVM. The donations allowed us to purchase new items that would be useful to the surviving seniors that were living in state-run facilities. Mayor Greenbaum gave us permission to use the Mt. Olive Senior Citizen’s Center to assemble the boxes, adding the same limitations as our events. We rotated volunteers on the hour.

“Parents of our volunteers expressed gratitude for providing their child an opportunity to get out of the house,” says Uhrmann. “Several parents shared personal stories of the many challenges and ill effects that were being caused by the lockdown. I had no idea that our outreach efforts would have an equal impact on our volunteers, as it did for those trying to survive the pandemic.”

The AVM also provided the Mt. Olive School District and high school with added advantage to acquire the Air force JROTC program. “A true benefit to the community at large,” she adds. “The JROTC performs and supports all of the AVM events; outreach efforts including our Blessing Box initiative; and spring cleanup. The AVM provides opportunities for the cadets to earn their mandatory community / volunteer hours.”

SMSgt (ret) Robert Bedell, an Aerospace Science instructor who leads the MOHS Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) program since it was established in 2017, recognizes the opportunities the AVM has provided to the students.

“Our unit of cadets has been involved in assisting the All-Veterans Memorial in annual clean-up efforts, building the POW/MIA concrete “sandbag” wall, laying pavers and fully incorporated into the annual POW/MIA and Memorial Day ceremonies,” says Bedell. “Our cadets joined in on the 24hour POW/MIA vigil by keeping the POW/MIA flag in constant movement around Turkey Brook Park and bringing awareCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ness to the significance of the Remembrance Day.” As for Memorial Day, Bedell has served as the MC and the MOHS Color Guard has presented the Colors and fulfilled the flag detail by dressing in authentic war era uniforms from the Revolutionary War into the most recent Global War on Terror.

Bedell explains why his group has been so dedicated at the AVM.

“At the heart of AFJROTC is service to our country and local community,” he says. “What better place to give back than to a phenomenal memorial dedicated to the brave Americans who have sacrificed so much. It is a perfect venue to remind our young teens why they have the freedoms they enjoy and take for granted each and every day.”

Even during COVID, the MOHS AFJROTC stayed involved.

“We were proud to be involved in the Memorial Day service during the COVID quarantine,” says Bedell. “AVM afforded the community a venue that was outside and permitted small gatherings during this time while also providing a live feed to those who could not attend in person.”

Looking back six years since he has been involved, Bedell says, “It has been an honor to partner with the AVM and contribute to the legacy that Charlie and the organization has created at this spectacular memorial. The AVM has created a venue for these cadets to create lifetime memories of being involved in something greater than them, as well as instill a heart to serve.

“The AVM has not only benefited Mt. Olive, but to so many communities in the area and the region, with so many people coming from substantial distances away simply to participate at a world class venue that we have in our backyard,” he adds. “Anyone who takes the time to walk through the memorial will quickly realize how special and amazing the AVM is and you simply can’t believe that this beautiful memorial is in our small town of Flanders, N.J.

Truly special!”

Appreciating the AVM

From students, to teachers, Scout leaders and organization heads, the appreciation of the AVM has grown just as much as its elements.

Tinc Rd. Elementary School third grade teacher Devon Marques regularly brings her students to visit the AVM during Military Appreciation Month.

“Our class takes a field trip to the AVM close to Memorial Day,” says Marques. “Students research the five branches of the military and enjoy exploring the museum and hearing Charlie speak.

“During COVID we utilized the website to explore the AVM,” she adds. “Having a place in our town that we can introduce students to that celebrates the five branches of the military is very special. The best part is when the students take their families back and teach them what they learned. The students love the dog memorial. It is always their favorite.”

For her annual Kindness Celebration event, Chester M. Stephen’s Elementary School second grade teacher Ann Scotland has used the AVM complex to perform before elderly veterans.

“We had our Second Grade Kindness Celebration over at the park last year and used the AVM space to sing to our audience,” shares Scotland. “The audience consisted of parents, teachers and some residents from Bentley Commons of Paragon Village. After singing, the children sat in that space and wrote letters of gratitude to the men and women that have served our country. We donated some money to Charlie to be used in a way she felt would be beneficial to the memorial.

“This year’s second graders will be singing there again on May 4,” adds Scotland. “After the singing portion of our visit, we will be learning about the dogs being honored at the War

Dog Memorial. We will then hear about the kindness of current service dogs in our area. It will be highlighted that an animal can offer valuable kindness and be of service too.”

Retired Mt. Olive Middle School Gifted and Talented Teacher Ann Greszczak introduced her students to the AVM with a research project.

“Every year my students did a project called ¨Living Voices¨ which involved interviewing people in the community, preserving their story for future generations,” explains Greszczak. One year the topic was Honoring Our Veterans.

“While working on the Our Veteran´s project we were introduced to Charlie who immediately embraced the opportunity to include my students in the AVM. It started with a tour, where she explained each element, later leading to my students volunteering at the AVM.

“Honestly, my students volunteered because of Charlie who connected with the kids,” says Greszczak. “She instilled in them a sense of pride for our veterans, for history and also for their community. They were proud that something as powerful and monumental as the AVM was part of their community. It also connected them to the local veterans they had interviewed and helped them realize the big picture. History came to life through their living voices project and the elements at the AVM.”

They even stayed connected during COVID.

“My students kept in touch with Charlie and the events happening at the AVM,” says Greszczak. “She asked for their help with the Backpacks for Veterans and Canine project and also the Blessing Boxes which were handed out to veterans at all Veterans homes, and the Boonton Firemen’s Home, during Christmas that year. All students in my (6th,7th, 8th) grade classes made cards to be included in the boxes and those who were allowed to attend (parental choice) helped stuff the boxes on a Saturday. Many parents also attended and commented that volunteering brought a sense of normalcy to them and their children during a time of craziness. The students were happy they could touch the life of a veteran especially during the time of isolation and COVID.

“One of the biggest events during COVID was when my students connected with retired U.S. Corporal Army Bill Wynne whose dog Smokey is one of five war dog statues at the War Dog Memorial,” adds Greszczak. Wynne donated his autographed book and CD to be included in each blessing box with a grant sponsored by the Education Association of Mt. Olive. “Although they never had the honor of personally meeting him, Bill quickly became a hero to my students. Bill brought to life the dog Smokey and also the AVM. For my students the dog memorial wasn’t just a bunch of statues but rather a memorial to the canine heroes. After watching Bill´s movie, writing to Bill and seeing the dog memorial, everything became real to them.

“During COVID many of my students also volunteered at the AVM prepping it for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service,” says Greszczak. “For several Saturdays, they painted, pulled weeds and placed bricks along a walkway, working individually yet with their peers thus avoiding the chance of COVID.”

Outside the classroom, the AVM continues to impress Greszczak.

“Once introduced to the AVM it became a huge part of my life,” she says. “Although not personally a veteran, my dad, relatives and friends have served. This is a lasting tribute to them and to all who have fought for our freedom. The AVM is a place where we can remember their contributions to our nation. It speaks to all… young and old. I personally have mentioned to many that they visit the AVM (most do not even know it exists) and have personally taken many there. It’s like having a historical trip to Washington D.C. in our own backyard. Every time I visit the AVM, I am reminded of the great nation we live in and how many take it for granted.

“The AVM should be a historical landmark of which Mt. Olive should be extremely proud,” she says. “Mt. Olive should embrace this memorial and give it the respect it deserves. It should be what Mt Olive is noted for and publicized. It’s definitely a hidden treasure. I honestly believe that MOTSD should make the AVM mandatory for all students to visit and understand (it´s importance) before they graduate. Students should become involved in its history and upkeep to ensure we pass the torch forward for many generations. I am very proud that several of my students continued to volunteer after they left my classroom and several joined the Junior ROTC. I would like to think that our first visit to the AVM had something to do with that.”

The AVM has also left an imprint on Gold Star Mothers and in return they have been a tremendous support.

“Visiting is an amazing experience,” says Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie, Gold Star Mother and president of Legacy of A Hero The L/Cpl. Chris Cosgrove III Foundation, Inc.

“I always encourage others to see this magnificent memorial honoring all those who sacrifice so much. I have volunteered to help clean up at AVM in the past. It is my honor to do what I can. Our non-profit Legacy of A Hero had a tent at the AVM for one of the events held and we were able to share with the many visitors what our organization does,” shares Bowie.

“As a GSM, when my family and I were invited to one of our first events there, I was overwhelmed,” says Bowie. “The attention to detail and the numerous bricks in honor and in memory of so many is a sight to see. As a daughter of an Army Air Corp / Air Force veteran, it gave my family a chance to dedicate a brick on the Path To Enduring Freedom, in memory of our Dad who was shot down over Yugolslavia in WWII and fortunately survived.”

The AVM “gives Mt. Olive and Morris County a wonderful place for people to visit,” says Bowie. “It provides a place to walk around and really reflect on the magnitude of all those selfless people who have stepped up to represent and protect our country. Some who have come home to share their experiences and many who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Again, as a GSM I am so honored to have my son honored and always remembered at this very precious and special memorial. It also gives families of veterans and active-duty military a place to honor their loved ones if they so choose.”

Daughters of the American Revolution is another group that has been involved for years at the AVM as a supporter and participant.

“The Morristown Chapter has participated in Patriotic and Veteran Centered Programs at the AVM for several years,” says Peg Shultz, chapter regent of the Morristown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. “Our chapter also placed the statue of George Washingtons Parade Horse “Blue Skin” at the park.

“The AVM has provided a place of reflection and remembrance,” says Shultz. “Personally, I have placed pavers to honor my father and uncle’s service and to honor the service of my Revolutionary War Ancestor, Abraham Skillman. Several members of the Morristown Chapter - NSDAR have also placed pavers in remembrance of their family members that served their country and their Revolutionary War ancestors.

The Scouts are also at hand to volunteer and participate.

Mt. Olive Boy Scout Troop 249 in Budd Lake helps with Spring Cleanup and the Memorial Day event. They built frames to display the period flags during the lock-down.

“The troop has been involved in the annual Memorial

Day Service by setting up military displays, taking part in the ceremony, and handing out water to attendees,” says Robert Brauman, Boy Scout Troop 249 Troop Committee member. Approximately 30 members on average help annually and Eagle Scout projects have also been completed there.

“The troop has volunteered as a way to give back to the community and pay respect to past and present veterans,” says Brauman. “The Scouts look forward to Memorial Day and POW events each year. It is a source of pride for them as they visit Turkey Brook Park knowing they take part in its success.

AVM provides a quiet respectful place for remembrance and reverence in our community.”

During COVID, his troop built wooden frames for the military uniforms on display.

“We couldn’t attend because of restrictions, but the frame building activity was a great hands-on event for the scouts during a time when they were all sequestered inside,” attests Brauman.

As the sun sets on the AVM, Uhrmann remains steadfast that the Military Child element will be her last, the founder looks forward to its upkeep.

“We are committed to care for the AVM grounds and coordinate the Memorial Day and POW/MIA events,” says Uhrmann. “We have set up a perpetual care fund to maintain and repair the elements when needed. The weather can be extreme at the AVM, which has the potential to cause superficial damage to the elements. These elements must be maintained in a dignified manner and therefore, we have decided to hire a professional to check on the monuments once a month.”

Looking back at the then and now, Dunkle reflects on Mt. Olive’s progress.

“My main objective was to see that the current monument got placed in an honorable spot and to help create a place for people to come and honor the men and women who insured our freedom,” says Dunkle, about the historic move that set the stage for the AVM. “I have attended almost all the Memorial Day Celebrations and dedications at the AVM. I am so proud to have been part of the project and believe it is very impressive and a very valuable asset to Mt. Olive and the Turkey Brook Park. It represents our military history and its placed next to a Civil War Era Mansion which is one of the first things you see as you enter Turkey Brook Park.

“I hear many complements about the AVM and the progress on the Seward Mansion and how fortunate it is that Mt. Olive has a beautiful park,” says Dunkle. “You know you have done a great job when you see other Veterans sitting and viewing the AVM and can imagine how they are reflecting on their own service as well as others who have proudly served. I commend Charlie for all her hard work and persistence on the entire AVM.”