Montgomery Honors Hometown Hero Stephen Warner with Street Dedication on Memorial Day
By Nick Mistretta
Montgomery Township came together this Memorial Day to honor all those who gave their lives in service — with a particularly meaningful tribute to local son Stephen H. Warner, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. The day’s events began with a ceremony at Veterans Memorial in Montgomery Park and culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative street sign naming Community Way “Stephen Warner Drive” at the Municipal Complex.
Hosted by Mayor Neenah Singh and Veterans Committee Chairperson Dimitra Bairaktaris, the ceremony brought together elected officials, military veterans, community members, and local families for a deeply moving tribute to Warner’s legacy.
At the April 17 Township Committee meeting, Resolution 25-4-133 was passed unanimously, authorizing the sign’s installation. “This is a small but powerful act,” said Deputy Mayor Vincent Barragan, a U.S. Army veteran of the elite 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the “Sky Soldiers.” “Stephen Warner’s name will now live visibly and permanently in our community, where his story continues to inspire.”
A Veteran Remembered, a Community United
Warner, a resident of Montgomery, graduate of Princeton High School and standout student, was studying law at Yale when he was drafted in 1969. Though an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War, Warner chose to serve — not with a weapon, but with a camera and a pen as a public information specialist. His mission: to document the real lives of soldiers on the front lines. He frequently volunteered for dangerous field assignments to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
In her remarks, Mayor Singh paid tribute to Warner’s complexity and courage:
He was killed on February 14, 1971, alongside three other soldiers when their vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Quang Tri Province. He was just 24.
“Stephen Warner was a soldier who opposed war, but chose to serve. He was ‘radically intellectual,’ according to his professors — a man of history, civil rights, and deep compassion. His bravery and commitment deserve our unwavering gratitude. Today’s dedication is not just to remember — it’s to honor his sacrifice.”
Singh continued, noting the freedoms we enjoy — education, entrepreneurship, and daily peace — are made possible by those like Warner:
“The commemorative sign dedicated today at the Municipal Building symbolizes the sacrifice and courage of Stephen Warner. As proud Americans, we must remember: our freedom is not free. It is only possible because of heroes like him.”
Also in attendance was Committee Member Dennis Ahn, a veteran who enlisted in 1997 and served as an Airborne infantryman. The unveiling was particularly poignant for Committee Member Dale Weingart, a lifelong Montgomery resident who has served on the Veterans Committee for 35 years. A longtime advocate for honoring Warner, Weingart has championed his recognition through multiple past initiatives — including efforts to dedicate parkland or local landmarks to Warner’s name.
“There still was no dedicated public honor for Stephen Warner,” Weingart reflected. “Today truly brought tears to my eyes.”
A Committee of Commitment
Chair Dimitra Bairaktaris, a 10-year U.S. Army veteran, has led the Montgomery Veterans Committee since 2019. The 15-member committee organizes two major events annually: Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They also sponsor Boy Scout and Eagle Scout projects, engage in outreach with local schools and troops, and are sponsors of the township’s “Killed in Action” plaque displayed in the Municipal Building.
Bairaktaris, who joined the committee in 2018 with encouragement from former Township Administrator and Navy veteran Pete Rayner, is now leading an initiative to introduce “Hometown Hero” commemorative displays around the township. The committee is also overseeing the restoration of a painting of General Richard Montgomery, for whom the town is named.
An emotional high point of the day, Singh’s words echoed the community’s shared sentiment:
“We gather not only to reflect, but to ensure that Stephen Warner’s legacy — and the legacy of all who served — endures. May God bless our fallen heroes. May God bless the United States of America.”
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com