|
Gathering To Honor Our Veterans
by Joann Larusso
 |
| --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo veterans, dignitaries and local officials spoke at a veteran's day ceremony held at vFW Post 9 03 headquarters last week. For more photos from this event, visit our galleries at www.micromediapubs.com. |
|
Bayville VFW Post 9503 last week observed Veteran's Day with a tribute and wreath laying ceremony held at post headquarters on Veteran's Boulevard.
Post Commander Stanley Kendrick led the salute to all veterans of all wars.
Berkeley Township Mayor Jason J. Varano and local dignitaries addressed a crowd of about 35 people in Joe Wallace Memorial Grove.
"Every generation has fought its wars from Pearl Harbor to Baghdad. Though the causes were varied, the places diverse, the politics different," said Varano, "one thing remained constant. Our veterans never failed those with whom they served. We shall never take them for granted. We shall always remember them. We are forever thankful to those who preserved America's freedom."
Mrs. Kendrick read an essay written by eighth grade Central Regional Middle School student Rachid Zidani, first place winner in the post's Patriotic Pen essay contest, titled, "Why Veteran's Should Be Honored." "Because of our veterans, we live in freedom and democracy. They all gave the ultimate sacrifice," she read. "Because of our veterans, we all have our freedom."
Veterans and Councilmen Nathan Abbe and Peter J. Mustardo spoke about America's freedom and the courage of the men and women who fought and died to preserve liberty and the sacrifices that they made to preserve our country's freedom.
"Remember all of them who served with honor," said Abbe.
Post 9503 Senior Vice Commander Will Teller and guests at the tribute, including Congressmanelect John Adler and Ocean County Freeholder Gerry Little, acknowledged soldiers both past and present for their bravery.
"America fought tyranny in the past and rose to the challenge," said Adler. "It is appropriate to take this day to honor those in uniform who fought to keep us safe and to make this country the greatest country in the world."
In his tribute, Freeholder Little said, "America can rise to the challenge again," noting that Ocean County has 68,000 veterans the largest veteran population in the state.
Varano noted that Governor Jon Corzine proclaimed the month of November as New Jersey Military Heroes Month, "for all citizens to recognize the service of New Jersey's veterans and to ref lect upon the freedom their sacrifices have afforded."
"This is our honor, our tribute to those who sacrificed their lives," said Post 9503 member Howard Mazanech, U.S. Army veteran who served in the Pacific from 1943 through 1946.
Ed Barfoot, United States Army Korean War veteran, added his salute.
Tom Hogan, Vietnam veteran, said the Bayville post has several service oriented programs.
"Through our military assistance program, we collect and ship non-perishable items to our troops serving in Iraq," said Hogan, chair of the committee, adding that items can be dropped off at the Veterans Boulevard post.
Hogan said that Post 9503 holds a fundraising breakfast the last Sunday of each month from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The price is $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12. The public is invited.
Varano added that all veterans are honored in tribute through the Berkeley Township Council's recently adopted resolution to support legislation to assist veterans.
| 
)