TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators John A. Girgenti and Paul A. Sarlo which would designate the Route 3 bridge over the Passaic River between Rutherford and Clifton as the “Chaplain Charles J. Watters Memorial Bridge,” in honor of a Vietnam War hero from New Jersey who sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 36-0.
“With this bill, we are providing long-overdue recognition to one of New Jersey’s greatest modern heroes,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Passaic and Bergen, and Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee. “Chaplain Watters was a product of New Jersey, born in Jersey City and ministering to parishes in the Northern part of the State. But his courage under fire, dedication to his men, and ultimate sacrifice to rescue his wounded fellow soldiers stand as a beacon of bravery and heroism that enshrines the greatness of America.”