Veterans Day 2007
The Post and the Ladies Auxiliary conducted ceremonies at the Post Home and at Ocean Gate Veterans Park.
Members of the Community join the ceremonies
Photo: Don Marshall
Commander Fritz Mueller adresses the gathering, Councilmember Karen Davis and Sr Vice President Connie Kendick (foreground) and Post Officers listen.
Photo: Don Marshall
Berkeley Township and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9503 remember Veterans Day with a Patriotic Display at Town Hall. Special thanks to Councilman Pete Mustardo and his crew for setting up the flags.
Photo: Don Marshall
In honor of all who served: Veterans Day tributes held in county
Posted by the Ocean County Observer on 11/12/07
BY SARAH WEBSTER
STAFF WRITER
BERKELEY — On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I — billed at the time as the war to end all wars — ended.
Eighty-nine years later at the same time and hour, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9503 in Berkeley held its Veterans Day ceremony outside in the Memorial Grove field.
The ceremony recognized all members of the U.S. military currently serving and all veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have served.
"Today is one day out of the year that we should proudly proclaim our status as an American veteran," said past New Jersey State VFW Commander Don Marshall Jr.
"From the jungles of Vietnam, to the rocky steeps of Afghanistan, from Bastogne to Baghdad, Pork Chop Hill to the Persian Gulf," he said. "Our veterans have borne the cost of America's wars and have stood watch over America's peace."
"By virtue of your service, today is your day to stand tall and be recognized," he told his fellow veterans.
VFW Post 9503 Commander Fritz Mueller reminded his audience about the heroism of 6th Army Ranger Battalion Lt. Col. Henry Mucci, whose life was immortalized in the 2005 film "The Great Raid."
Mueller said that prior to leading a mission to rescue more than 500 American prisoners of war held by the Japanese, Mucci told his troops, "Nothing in our lives will ever be as important as this."
"While Mucci's mission was certainly important as he said, America is blessed because millions of men and women realized — and still realize — that nothing in their lives is as important as defending this nation," Mueller said.
"For many veterans, it was important enough to endure long separations from their families, miss the births of their children, freeze in subzero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and, far too often, lose their lives," he said. "Sadly, their deeds are frequently unappreciated."
Berkeley Councilwoman Karen Davis said national security is everyone's responsibility, and that the defense of freedom in not just the military's responsibility, but citizens as well.
"Veterans Day isn't just a day for veterans, it's a day for all Americans. It's a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey of protecting our freedom and the freedom of many future generations," she said.
U.S. Navy Reserve Commander Tracie Smith-Yeoman, who is based at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, brought her son Angus to the ceremony. She said that while she was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, her husband was deployed at the same time to the Persian Gulf. Her parents took care of Angus while they were overseas.
"Veterans Day is such an important day to remember, particularly during the time of war," she said. "We need to recognize those who have served our country and those who are currently serving. It is important to teach our children to give veterans the honor that they all deserve."
Post Chplain and District 12 Commander Larry kelly address the Ocean Gate Veterans Day Ceremonies
Phot courtesy Ocean County Observer
Post member Tom McEnerney salutes at the Veterans Day Ceremonies
Ocean County Observer Photo
On Nov 12, 2007 the Post and the Ladies Auxiliary marched in the Ocean County Veterans Day Parade in Toms River
L to R Sr Vice Commander Will Teller; Phil Palmieri; Tom McCormick; Bob McKelvey; Post Commander Fritz Mueller and Auxiliary President Kathy Marshall
Photo: Don Marshall
Photo: Don Marshall
Photo: Don Marshall