Veterans Honored Across the County

Veteran’s Day ceremonies were held across the county Fri., Nov., 11
In Cape May, a ceremony was held at the war memorial at Columbia Avenue and Gurney Street.
Speakers included Coast Guard Training Center Commander Corey Bonheim, who also provided an honor guard, Cape May Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr., West Cape May Mayor Pamela Kaithern and Cape May Point Commissioner Anita van Heeswyk
American Legion Post 193 Commander Ron Stenlake and VFW 386 Commander Andy Barber coordinated the ceremony, lowered the colors to half staff, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. West Cape May Commissioner Ramsey Geyer moderated the ceremony.
In Avalon, a ceremony was attended by American Legion Post #331 in Avalon/Stone Harbor and featured speeches by Post Commander Kevin Coyle and by Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi.
“Each year the Borough of Avalon is honored to host dozens of veterans who have served our country with courage, dignity, and honor”, Pagliughi said. “Avalon residents support our veterans by attending many ceremonies and special events throughout the year. A day at the beach or a walk down Dune Drive is made possible each day by the servicemen and women who were recruited by our country or who voluntarily put service before self to protect our freedoms that we enjoy daily”.
The ceremony also featured patriotic musical performances by the “Seven Mile Singers”, a presentation of a wreath by the Avalon Elementary School, the playing of “Taps”, and a rifle salute by the veterans. After the ceremony, the Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post #331 in Stone Harbor held a ceremony and open house at the post located at 117th and Second Street, Stone Harbor.
All veterans were asked to come to attention as the colors were raised during the City of Wildwood’s Veterans’ Day ceremony held at the city’s Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Vince Deprinzio served as master of ceremonies for the event attended by dignitaries, police officers, firemen and a host of local veterans.
“We honor those whose names are etched in the black granite wall,” said Charles Quinn, American Legion Post 184 Chaplin. “We miss them and we pray for them.”
John Callahan led the Pledge of Allegiance. Callahan’s son, Michael, lost his life in Vietnam.
Two wreaths were laid at the base of the long wall in memory of those who have given their lives in service to our nation.
“We honor our 23 million veterans who are still alive,” said Deprinzio. “Through their blood, service and sacrifice, they have given us our freedom.”
“We can never let the public forget what happened in these wars,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano. “Remember, Veterans’ Day is a day to say ‘thank you.’ It shouldn’t be just one day – it should be every day.”
Veterans Park in Sea Isle City was filled with hundreds of spectators who came together to honor America’s veterans during Sea Isle’s 2011 Veterans Day ceremony. Among the many onlookers were scores of local veterans, ranging from World War II army infantrymen to much younger Marines who recently fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The ceremony was emceed by Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio, who began by introducing the event’s numerous dignitaries and guest speakers, including VFW Post 1963 Commander Charles Haines, Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer and Cape May County Clerk Rita Marie Fulginiti, who each spoke about the importance of honoring veterans and remembering the sacrifices they made for our nation’s freedom. Adding to the event was Rev. Barbara Frohock of the Sea Isle City United Methodist Church, who read an invocation, Deacon Liam O’Clisham of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, who read the benediction, first-grader Will McGinn, who lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and World War II veteran Russell Briggs, who sang a series of patriotic hymns.
During the ceremony, several veterans stepped forward to place wreaths around the park’s memorial fountain. Jack Dollarton laid a wreath in memory of all World War I and II veterans, Harry Henry represented all Korean War veterans, Danny Campbell laid a wreath in honor of all Vietnam vets, Tully O’Clisham represented the veterans from all Middle East conflicts, and VFW Post 1963 Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain Dolores Dollarton represented all American veterans throughout history.
After the wreaths were in place, three members of the Cape May County Militia, Bernard (Bunny) Becker, Tim Rock and Daniel Goldman, fired a salute into the air in memory of all of America’s fallen heroes. Then, following remarks from Mayor Desiderio, the ceremony was brought to a close, then the members of the audience were invited to enjoy light refreshments and fellowship at nearby VFW Post 1963.
The Coast Guard Training Center Cape May honored service members today at its Veteran’s Day Graduation Ceremony at the Performing Arts Center of Lower Township, N.J., Friday at 11 a.m.
The graduation ceremony for Recruit Companies S-185 and T-185 served as a memorial to all those men and women who have served or are currently serving. Capt. Bill Kelly, commanding officer of Training Center Cape May, honored each veteran in attendance by asking them to stand and be recognized by the audience for their service and sacrifice.
The staff of Training Center Cape May felt there was no greater honor for veterans everywhere then to advance more than 90 recruits to serve in the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve. These men and women will continue to carry on the legacy of countless service members before them.
Fittingly, all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were represented at today’s ceremony as well as a member of the British Special Air Service and a customs officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These individuals presented graduation certificates to their families and friends.
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CAPE MAY COUNTYCREST HAVEN — Stalwart veterans from throughout Cape May County gathered Fri., Nov. 11 to part tribute to the nation’s fallen service members at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.
Invocation and Benediction was delivered by Rev. Dr. Glenn Schoenberger of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Stone Harbor.
Mark Huff sand the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
Speakers included U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), Capt. William Kelly, commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, Staff Sgt. Andrew Jackson, who served in Iraq, and Freeholder Gerald Thornton.
Half staffing of the Colors was done by Stan Crowley, Force Master Chief, U.S. Navy retired and Chief Marie Kayati, U.S. Coast Guard retired.
Wreathes were presented by numerous veterans’ organization from throughout the county. A rifle volley was fired by the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Detail, followed by the playing of “Taps” by a Coast Guard musician.