With Ceremony, the Army Prepares Fort Monmouth for Closure

When Fort Monmouth closes its gates two weeks from now, it will be with the rigor and ritual for which the United States military is known.

On Sept. 13, two days prior to the official closing, Garrison Manager George Fitzmaier, the fort's mayor, if you will, will host a Garrison inactivation ceremony at Garrison headquarters at 2 pm.

According to the Army, the ceremony unofficially marks the as a military installation.  Like the closing of the this spring, the ceremony will provide a time of remembrance and closure for the many men and women, civilian and military, who have served here, some for their whole .

On the , Thurs. Sept. 15, the American flag will be taken down from the flag pole for the final time at Fort Monmouth when the Army conducts its final daily retreat ceremony at 4:30 pm in the post’s Cowan Park. Click here to listen to the bugler play Retreat.

Following the closure of the installation on Sept. 15, the property will begin preparation for transfer to the (FMERA) to sell or lease the property for reuse within the civilian community.  
    
Executive Director of the FMERA Bruce Steadman said that in the days, months and years following the closure of Fort Monmouth "security on the [closed] installation is the highest priority" for his organization.  "FMERA will maintain a high level of and will have a professional police force on-site to protect the property, tenants and visitors beginning Sept. 15, 2011," he said.

Garrison Manager Fitzmaier said that following the post’s closure, the Army will retain a small workforce including contractors who will handle building and grounds maintenance and other upkeep missions.

"I’m confident looking toward the future that, through the continuing dedicated efforts of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and the ever loyal support of our neighboring civilian communities, the legacy of Fort Monmouth will be appropriately retained and cherished," he said.