On Martin Luther King Day, residents across all three New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes - Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland - came together to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service, leadership, and community. Staff and dedicated volunteers led a full day of engaging activities designed to both educate and inspire, including trivia and learning sessions centered on Dr. King’s life and impact, hands-on crafts, BINGO, and other interactive programs. These moments of connection served not only to reflect on Dr. King’s message, but also to recognize and celebrate the lifetime of service represented by the Veterans and Veteran Spouses who call our facilities home.

At Paramus, residents gathered in reflection and fellowship, sharing stories and participating in activities that emphasized service to others and the power of community. Among those participating was Blanche Haertsch, a beloved resident whose own life embodies the very principles Dr. King championed. Blanche served as a nurse at Marine Hospital in Staten Island, where her unwavering dedication to patient care earned her the honorary name “Dr. Blanche” from colleagues and those she served.

Blanche recently celebrated her 100th birthday in December and was married to Joseph Haertsch, a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II who earned the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal. Together, their lives reflect a shared commitment to service and sacrifice.

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded that his values live on in the everyday acts of compassion, leadership, and service demonstrated by our residents. Through meaningful programming and community engagement, our Veterans Memorial Homes continue to celebrate not only Dr. King’s legacy, but the extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives serving others.