By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
Bruce Springsteen, the Freehold Borough native who has forged a music career that spans almost a half-century, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Springsteen and 20 other individuals were honored during a ceremony at the White House, Washington, D.C., on Nov. 22.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to information provided by the White House.
Springsteen, 67, is a 1967 graduate of what was then known as Freehold Regional High School in Freehold Borough. His career as a singer-songwriter has taken him and his E Street Band around the world multiple times on sold out concert tours.
His legendary career brought him home to Freehold Borough on the evening of Nov. 8, 1996, when he played a solo acoustic concert at the St. Rose of Lima School, South Street, which he attended as a child.
An audience of about 1,300 people packed the school’s gymnasium to witness a concert that leaned heavily on material from his albums “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Nebraska” and “The Ghost of Tom Joad.”
The St. Rose concert featured the debut of “Freehold,” a humorous ode to his hometown.
Springsteen spoke with the News Transcript in an exclusive interview following the show and the newspaper reported the following in its Nov. 13, 1996 edition:
“Springsteen told the News Transcript … that a Freehold show is something he’s wanted to play for a long time.
‘I travel around the country a lot and I do a lot for organizations all over,” Springsteen said. ‘I wanted to do something for my two hometowns – Freehold and Asbury Park. I’ve wanted to do this for a while. My Aunt Dora (Kirby) came over and told me what’s been happening (in town). Part of what I’ve been singing about is the Hispanic situation and immigration.’
“In keeping with that thought, Springsteen performed a series of reflective songs dealing with immigration from Mexico – specifically along the California border. … A line in one of the songs noted that the illegal immigrants ‘come back again because hunger is a powerful thing.’
“The songs tied in with the beneficiary of the concert – the Hispanic community in Freehold. Right now, that community is seeking an identity in the borough, something Springsteen also attempted to do during his days in town; days, he told the News Transcript, ‘when, if you were different, it wasn’t easy.’
“Springsteen reflected for a moment before commenting on a reporter’s open-ended statement that the borough’s Hispanic residents seem to be searching for acceptance and their place in the fabric of the town.
‘We just had an election where people used issues like immigration divisively. But inclusiveness, that’s where this country got its power and beauty, with a mix of all cultures,’ he said. ‘You could come here; you could find acceptance, promise, possibility. That’s what my music is about.’ ”
Springsteen, who now resides in Colts Neck, is married to musician Patti Scialfa. They are the parents of three children, Jessica, Evan and Sam. Springsteen is the son of Adele and the late Douglas Springsteen.
Commenting on the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Obama said in a statement that “the (medal) is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.
“From scientists, philanthropists and public servants, to activists, athletes and artists, these 21 individuals (who were honored on Nov. 22) have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”
The White House statement said that “the stories (Springsteen) has told, in lyrics and epic live concert performances, have helped shape American music and have challenged us to realize the American dream.”
