Memorial Service for Gen. Montgomery Held at Veterans Park in Belle Mead

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted Jan. 4, 2026

The NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NJSSAR) and Montgomery Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan held a memorial service for Gen. Richard Montgomery at Veterans Park on the 250th anniversary of his death, Dec. 31, complete with revolutionary war re-enactors, flags, and speeches.

Although the last-minute service was not promoted, and had minimal guests in attendance, it was recorded and posted as a reel on social media.

Barragan, a first-generation Cuban American who served in the US Army in the elite, 173rd Airborne Brigade, gave a speech at the event, reminding residents that it's important to remember history and to commemorate those who gave their lives for their country.

"There is a lot of discussion around the namesake of our town, Montgomery, but, regardless, I think it's important to recognize that Gen. Montgomery was the first ... officer to sacrifice his life for a nation that wasn't even fully founded," Barragan said.

Montgomery Township Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan (second from right) with the NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution at Veterans Park on Dec. 31.

Roger Williams, historian for the NJSSAR, led the service to commemorate the general, who is the likely namesake of Montgomery Township. (The local historical society is offering a $100 reward to anyone who can prove it.)

Williams lauded Gen. Montgomery as a "revered figure among American patriots," who was killed in the unsuccessful Battle of Quebec in 1775. The service began with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Williams read a shot biography of the general, then said."Here, in Montgomery Township, New Jersey — the state where more battles and skirmishes were fought during the American Revolution — we honor his memory."

>> Click to watch Youtube video of the VHHS December 30, 2025 Gen. Richard Montgomery program

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Deputy Mayor Barragan also read aloud the names of Montgomery residents who died while fighting in the American Revolution and who are enshrined on the township's veterans' memorial.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION VETERANS FROM MONTGOMERY

Jeremiah Crow, Abram Cruser, Henry Fourt, Martin Hoagland, Peter Perlee, Abraham Quick, Joachim Quick, Abraham Skillman, Benjamin Skillman, Gerardus B. Skillman, John T. Skillman, Thomas Skillman, Rynier Staats, Cornelius Stout, Jediah Stout, Moses Stout, Nathan Stout, John D. Stryker, Peter Sutphen, Garret Terhune, Stephen Terhune, and William Terhune.

"The 250th anniversary of our nation is an incredible opportunity for education, commemoration, and for our entire community to learn more about the American Revolution, the people who fought in it, .... the slaves who were a part of the whole process, and the totality of the revolution," Barragan said.

"Join us throughout 2026 as [Montgomery officials] will provide multiple opportunities to learn more about this history."