Heroes & OoRahs bring military pride to story time
West Milford. The West Milford Township Library’s third annual Heroes & “OoRahs” event brought families together to honor local veterans through storytelling, activities, and conversations about military service.
| 11 Nov 2025 | 10:33
Rudy Hass, David Borowski, Marine and West Milford policeman; John Trojanowski, Army; Kalyan Autie, mother of Ezekiel and Enzo, and wife of a VFW member talk to children. (
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Debbie Van Bunt (grandmother); Liam Norton, age 7; Charlie Norton age 9; Mike Van Bunt ( grandfather); from Highland Lakes (
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Ezekiel and Enzo Autio are shown with Rudy Hass. (
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Jackson B., 5; of West Milford draws. (
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Adam Guthrie, 2, is shown with Dawn Guthrie of West Milford. (
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The West Milford Township Library hosted Heroes & “OoRahs” — A Veterans Day Celebration, on Nov. 7, where children, parents, and grandparents gathered to honor local veterans through storytelling and hands-on activities.
Now in its third year, the program featured veterans from West Milford VFW Post 7198 reading to children and sharing experiences from their time in service around the world — from Vietnam to Jordan and Kosovo. Attendees also enjoyed patriotic-themed coloring pages and a chance to ask questions about military life.
Created by children’s librarian and veteran Pam Zacher, the event continues to build bridges between generations, helping young readers understand the meaning of service and community.
