Interlaken Welcomes Home a Son
By DON STINE
Patriotic flags, signs of support, and yellow ribbons were displayed proudly in Interlaken over the past week as one of the boroughs favorite sons took a break from war.
Ivan Eno, a 25-year-old graduate from the 2005 class at the United States Army Military Academy at West Point, came home for an 18-day leave from fighting in Iraq to a surprise welcome from borough residents.
“It was so nice to see people that I have not seen in a long time and this show of support means a lot to me, Ivan said.
In a surprise move for Ivan, about 50 to 75 residents turned out to welcome him home last Wednesday by showing up at the small bridge over Deal Lake between Westra Street and Monmouth Road- many waving American flags and holding signs of support.
It nice because I think its not supporting just one person, whether you are for or against the war, but shows support for the guys over there. It means a lot to everybody there, Ivan said.
I had no idea about this reception and its great to see everybody, he said.
Ivan said one of his greatest pleasures being home is to be able to sleep in late.
The town looks better than ever and it seems like everything has held together pretty well here, he said.
Ivans father, Peter Eno, said his family has always supported Ivans decision to join the military and attend West Point. Ivan is a First Lieutenant and was deployed to Iraq on March 9. His 15-month deployment will end next June. He is also a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Middletown.
Who doesnt have mixed feelings about their son being at war. But with him coming home and, with the conversations I have has with him, he is clear and confident as ever about his goals. As an infantry platoon leader you really dont have time for nonessentials (in your life) so you have to be 100 percent squared-away, his father said.
Its just so nice to have him home. Its wonderful, Peter Eno said, speaking also on behalf of his wife, Linda.
The outpouring of support by residents was tremendous. We are extremely grateful and its wonderful to have support of this nature, he said.
Mayor Robert Wolf III said the outpouring of support from borough residents was pretty much spontaneous.
There were some e-mails sent out and word of mouth that Ivan was coming home, he said.
And yellow ribbons started popping up in trees and yards throughout the borough.
Wolf said he picked up Ivan, who spent a couple of nights in New York City, in the city and drove him home last Wednesday. They were greeted by a police escort when they approached the bridge, where residents were gathered.
We hoped it would be a big surprise and we kept things pretty much under wraps. The residents were awesome and its really hard to put into words what happened. I really cant describe it. To see residents, children, and veterans – some people who dont even know each other – turn out for this one thing is great. This is something that can only happen in a small town that you may not see in other places, Wolf said.
Wolf said residents were responsible for the yellow ribbons tied around trees in the borough
Other than marrying people this is one of the best things I can do as mayor, he said.
Wolf said he believes Ivan is the only military person from the borough now serving on active-duty in Iraq.
But we would do the same for any active-duty resident, he said.
World War II Navy veteran Jim Mitchell, Grassmere Avenue, said he believes it was a great idea to have the celebration.
I am very proud and I think it demonstrates our affection for a young man from our town, especially coming home from such a dangerous area, Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the lives of many people are disrupted by the war and that it is probably very moving for them to receive this kind of recognition. I cant help but think of other wars when there wasnt such a nice warm welcome. I am pleased and proud of all the residents, he said.
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