by Diane Norek Harrison
SOUTH AMBOY—South Amboy held a tribute on March 17 for Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sebban, who died in Iraq two years ago on this date.
Sebban’s family was escorted into the park by members of the South Amboy Police Department. South Amboy Mayor John T. O’Leary welcomed over 400 people who came to the park to remember the soldier who grew up in South Amboy. A monument was unveiled to remember Sebban’s supreme sacrifice for our country.
A memorial dedicated to the late Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sebban was unveiled on March 17 at the Middlesex County Raritan Bay Waterfront Park. Photo by Diane Norek Harrison
The monument project was started by the South Amboy American Legion Post #62. Mayor O’Leary said in part “the American Legion wanted to plant a tree in memory of Benjamin, and it escalated into the monument with monetary and contractor’s donations and time. Benjamin died so that others could live.”
Rev. George Campbell from Christ Church gave the invocation. Many military members and Middlesex County politicians spoke highly of Sebban’s sacrifice to put others ahead of himself while in combat as an Army medic. Barbara Walsh, Sebban’s mother, wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and spoke of her son’s military career.
School children from Cardinal McCarrick and South Amboy High Schools attended. Participating in the ceremony were South Amboy American Legion Post #62, Sacred Heart Catholic War Veterans Post # 578 and Sayreville American Legion Post # 211. Joining forces were members of the Col. David B. Kelly Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 Pipes & Drum Band and the Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, playing military tunes and “Amazing Grace.”
