Vietnam Veteran Emil M. Trgala will serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s Memorial Day parade in the Borough of Roselle Park.
Mr. Trgala was born in 1944; he was raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. Upon graduation from Bloomfield College with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration, and a minor in Economics, he entered the U.S. Military in September 1966.
After his training at Fort Dix and Fort Benning, Mr. Trgala received his marching orders for Vietnam. From August 1967, Mr. Trgala was attached with the Fourth Infantry Division performing reconnaissance and intelligence operations in the Central Highlands and, for a short period, did the same with the First Infantry Division until August 1968. In the year 1968, Mr. Trgala received the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four (4) Bronze Service Stars. He has also been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, two (2) Overseas Service Bars, and a Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.
After serving his country, he left the service as a specialist on August 10, 1968.
Upon returning, Mr. Trgala became active with the Veterans of Wars serving as Post Commander for twenty-two years and as a District Commander in Essex County in 1992. He served as community activities chairman for the Department of New Jersey VFW from 1996 to 1999. He was also a chairman and a seventeen-gallon blood donor for the Essex County VFW.
In May 1975, Mr. Trgala married his beautiful wife Margaret and moved to the great borough of Roselle Park. He lost his beloved wife in October 2004.
Now, Mr. Trgala is enjoying his semi-retirement, working part-time as an auditor and tax practitioner. He enjoys his free time on several interests and spends time with his friends at the Casano Community Center.
The parade assembly will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Sherman Elementary School and will step off at 10:00 a.m. from the school on East Grant Avenue, marching toward Chestnut Street.
Marching will pause for 3 minutes for each of the performers to display their talent and achievements at the viewing stand in front of the Methodist Church on Chestnut Street and end at the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library for the service.
After the service, everyone is invited to the Town Picnic at the Casano Community Center (free food and refreshments) hosted by the Borough.
Mayor Carl Hokanson and the Borough Council honors the memories of veterans of all war and invites everyone to attend the parade and the service.
If an organization or group would like to march in the parade or requires more information please contact Rupen Shah at 908-245-0666.