PARSIPPANY — Residents joined Mayor Pulkit Desai and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Saturday, November 7, for a community 5K Ruck March to honor and support veterans.
After brief remarks, Mayor Desai led the group out of Knoll Country Club West, with members of the Parsippany Police Department providing an escort. The route made its way toward Green Bank Road, past the Rockaway Valley Regional Sewerage Authority and the Jersey City Reservoir, then down Lake Shore Drive before finishing at Foodtown on North Beverwyck Road.
Participants filled backpacks with essential supplies and carried them along the 5K route, which began at Knoll Country Club West, 990 Greenbank Road, and finished at Super Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road.
“Today was a beautiful reminder of what makes Parsippany special. We had residents of all ages, young and old, come together for our 5K Ruck March, and every single participant crossed the finish line,” said Mayor Pulkit Desai.
He continued “We couldn’t have asked for better weather, but what made the day truly special was the generosity and spirit of everyone who showed up. As a Marine, I know what it means to carry a pack, but today we carried something much more important; a commitment to taking care of those who served our country. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and helped make this event possible. In Parsippany, we take care of each other, and today we showed our veterans that we’ve got their six. Semper Fi!”
“I congratulate Mayor Pulkit on holding todays successful “Ruck March”. The event brought out many people, friends and family, all for a common cause: to donate basic necessities for our veterans. While we especially remember our veterans at this time in November, their struggles continue the year through. This event offered us an opportunity to give something back. I hope the Mayor does this annually and, where we can, reach out to veterans we may know.” said Council President Judy Hernendez.
The backpacks were packed with socks, underwear, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, non-perishable snacks and other personal hygiene essentials.
Par-Troy EMS was on hand to assist with the marchers. Parsippany-Troy Hills Recreation supplied bananas and water at the finish line to the marchers.
All donated backpacks will be distributed by the New Jersey Veterans Network to veterans in shelters, hospitals and nursing homes throughout New Jersey.
To learn more about the New Jersey Veterans Network or to get involved, visit their website at njvn.org.
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