HOW DO I? GOVERNMENT RESIDENTS VISITORS BUSINESSES ONLINE SERVICES TRANSLATE MONTCLAIR 150 A Brief History of Montclair Memorial Day Tribute 150th Anniversary Logo Contest Montclair 150 Events Calendar Self-guided Historic Walking Tours Get the Montclair 150 App Freeholders Congratulate Montclair Congressman Frelinghuysen Marks Montclair's 150th Anniversary Memorial Day Tribute 2018 Memorial Day tribute by Montclair Historian Michael Farrelly, marking Montclair's sesquicentennial. At 6:00 in the morning, May 28, 1754, exactly 264 years ago today, a small band of about 40 Virginia militiamen and about a dozen Native Americans opened fire on a French scouting party, asleep in a glen, near what would later become Pittsburgh. Their leader, a young lieutenant colonel, named George Washington, had debated with his officers about whether they should attack, or not. Technically, France and England were not at war, but the French were building forts in the Ohio Valley. There was no doubt in young George's mind that they threatened his family and the way of life in his native colony. The battle was over in 15 minutes. Casualties were light: 1 Englishman and ten Frenchmen had been killed, including their commander, Ensign, Joseph de Jumonville. Although nobody knew it at the time, revenge for Jumonville's death sparked what became known as the Seven Years War in Europe, and the French and Indian War here in America. Yes! George Washington started the French and Indian War. At 6:45 in the morning, exactly 100 years ago today, The 28th and 18th Regiments of the American First Division left their trenches to retake ground lost to the German Army in France. America had sent about 300,000 troops to France in late 1917 and early 1918. The Germans knew that The United States planned to send hundreds of thousands more. They moved 50 divisions from the Russian front while Russia was negotiating a surrender. That brought their numbers up to 192 divisions and 3 brigades; far superior to the combined forces of England, France, Canada and America. The German spring offensive that year was massive and brutal. The Allies, mostly England and France sustained huge losses. The commander of the 1st Division, Gen. Robert Lee Bullard, had no doubt that they were fighting for their lives and their way of life against a German machine. They had to disable the German observation posts in the hills to cripple the ongoing artillery barrages. They attacked! The Americans stood up to several counterattacks during the next couple of days. It was a success! The battle of Cantigny, as it was called, was the first major offensive undertaken by the United States in WWI. 49 years ago today troops from the 29 Regiment of 101st Airborne Division left the field after a grueling 10 day assault on the North Vietnamese command post on Dong Ap Bia (Ap Bia Mountain) near Laos. It was also known as Hill 937, or "Hamburger Hill". 72 Americans lost their lives. Once the North Vietnamese command post was dismantled the hill had no further strategic advantage. Not everyone agrees that our way of life was at stake. Some feared that Vietnam was a "domino" in a vast Communist plot to take over the world. The young men involved fought to save their fellow soldiers. It is Memorial Day. We are gathered here to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed everything to preserve our freedom and way of life. 2018 is the 150th anniversary of Montclair officially becoming an independent town in Essex County. I have been asked to touch upon our town's history. I see our history written in the names that adorn these monuments. As I look at these names I see the names of the families that made our town what it is. QUICK LINKS Alerts WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS FOR RESIDENTS As winter approaches the Montclair Police Department would like to offer some readiness tips and information to help keep you and your families prepared and safe. Sign up for local alerts Swift911 National Weather Service mobile app Prepare emergency supply kits for home, office, and vehicles For home / office Keep extra food and water and essential medications Flashlights Batteries Shovels Salt Extra gas for generators and snow blowers For vehicles Complete vehicle check, tires, fluids, battery Flashlight Snow brush, shovel Blanket Water Keep vehicle fueled or charged Winterize your home Make sure heating systems are in good working order Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed Mark objects as not to be damaged by plows or snow blowers Review homeowners/rental insurance Local Ordinances and Laws 327-25: No vehicles may be parked on the street during a snow event. Any vehicles on the street will be impounded. Utilize any of the Township’s parking decks. 297-33: Snow may not be thrown onto the roadway when clearing driveways and sidewalks. It is unlawful are more importantly extremely dangerous to operate a snow-covered vehicle. Please be sure to clean off your vehicle of any snow or ice prior to driving. Reminder 70% of injuries during snow events are caused by traffic collisions, so stay home unless travel is necessary. For more information www.ready-gov/winter-weather www.weather.gov/wrn/winter safety