City Honors Pearl Harbor Victims, World War II Vets

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “A day that will live in infamy” dawned gray and hard Dec. 7, 2016, along the shores of North Wildwood. Not a single breeze rustled the unfurled flags or troubled the steeple of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church as men and women of all ages gathered in the parking lot.  
When the clock struck noon, many gathered by the sea-wall in memory and commemoration of those past and still alive.
Although the generation of “iron men” and women may be fewer in number, those gathered for the Pearl Harbor remembrance service captured the essence of the spirit which no act of terror can ever take away.
Joseph Orlando, the commander of the VFW Post 5941 North Wildwood, remarked on how 75 years have passed since the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Post Chaplin Tom Burke opened the service with prayer; the chaplain eulogized veterans who perished that December day and those who have since gone in a memorial prayer. “May we always remember them,” Burke said. 
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Miss North Wildwood, Danielle De Ritis, led in the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Orlando acknowledged the organizations that support the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the dignitaries in attendance, including Senator Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Sgt. Robert Andrzejczak, and Assemblyman Bruce Land (all D-1st). Orlando then acknowledged the post’s two surviving World War II veterans in attendance, Al Mouklas and Bob Finn.
Van Drew said, “This (Pearl Harbor Day) is important. We must never forget.” Van Drew continued by saying that the same challenges and threats that loomed over Pearl Harbor 75 years ago still exist today. “Freedom is only one generation away,” Van Drew said, quoting former President Ronald Regan.
Van Drew vowed to continue his support for legislation to honor the American flag at “every public meeting” in the State of New Jersey. “We must always honor our flag,” Van Drew emphasized after commenting on the recent controversy surrounding saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Andrzejczak concurred with Van Drew and spoke of the Second World War generation as “the greatest generation” in the annals of American history. “They (WWII generation) deserve all the respect we can give them,” Andrzejczak said.
Land spoke of being the son of a World War II veteran who was wounded multiple times in the European theater. Land followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the military – yet Land’s war took him beyond the fields of Europe to the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam.
Following Land, North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello spoke of the city’s respect and desire to serve and honor its veterans.
“It’s ingrained in our community,” Rosenello said. “We don’t just honor them on special days.”
Rosenello said that the purpose of the city hosting such events is “so we do not forget” and to pass on the knowledge of service and sacrifice to the next generation. Rosenello publicly thanked Finn and Mouklas for their service to the nation. “I have the honor of knowing Mr. Mouklas my whole life,” Rosenello said.
Asked to say “a few words,” Mouklas said, “I would like to thank the Navy.” Mouklas, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, joined the United States Navy 10 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
I quit high school,” Mouklas continued. “I was 18.” Mouklas served in the Navy for 20 years and taught at the Naval ROTC in Philadelphia. Mouklas then added that he was “so happy” he came to North Wildwood and married his wife, Marion.
Mouklas also made mention of his faith and his attendance at the First Baptist Church of Anglesea.
Orlando concluded by saying he was “honored and humbled” by the sacrifice and service of World War II veterans and added, “As long as I have breath, these remembrances will continue.”
A memorial wreath was then tossed into Hereford Inlet, a tribute to those who sleep beneath the waters of a place called Pearl Harbor, Mouklas closed in prayer. “Bless our police and fire as they take care of our communities,” said Mouklas.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.