Basilone Statue and Veterans Park

Basilone Statue and Park, Raritan, NJ 08869

908-231-1300

raritanboro.org

The Basilone Statue and Veterans Park commemorates Marine Corps. Sergeant, John Basilone, and all of the Somerset County veterans. The park, located adjacent to the Basilone Statue, is a landscaped semi-circle of brick pavers with nine flags representing the United States, New Jersey, Somerset County, and the military service branches. Featured in the park are three monuments: one recognizing all of the service men and women, one dedicated to all of the veterans from Raritan Borough, and a plaque in memory of the borough’s service men killed in action during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

The Basilone Statue was unveiled on Basilone Day on June 7, 1948 and honors John Basilone, the first Marine to be awarded a Medal of Honor during World War II. He is considered to be one of the most famous New Jerseyan’s from World War II and was the leading character portrayed in the HBO series The Pacific.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

• See the impressive bronze statue honoring the hero of the Pacific and the monuments dedicated to Somerset County’s service men and women
• Visit Basilone Park to explore its picturesque trails and recreational activities
• Explore nearby Duke Farms, an estate that was established by James Buchanan Duke, an American entrepreneur who founded Duke Power and the American Tobacco Company