ERMA — Two World War II veterans, a man and woman, were honored by Cape May County Nov. 11 at Naval Air Station Wildwood.
Mable R. Jaworski, a sergeant in the Army Women’s Army Corps, who served as Supreme Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s telephone operator, received the Veteran of the Year 2018 – Female Award.
Vincent J. Pale, a technical sergeant, and gunner in the 453rd Bomb Group whose B-24 Liberator was shot down, and who became a prisoner of war in Stalag 17, received the Veteran of the Year 2018 – Male Award.
Jaworski and Pale sat side-by-side on the stage. Others with them were Capt. Owen Gibbons, commanding officer, Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May; Vince Kane, director, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wilmington, Del.; Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) and U.S. Representative-elect; Assemblymen Robert Andrzejczak and Bruce Land (both D-1st); Norman Marlin, county American Legion commander; Donald St. George, county American Legion chaplain; Freeholder Director and Vice-Director, Gerald Thornton and Leonard Desiderio, respectively, and Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson, retired brigadier general, who was master of ceremonies.
St. George recited the epic World War I poem by Canadian physician Lt. Col. John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields.”
Thornton spoke of memories of his grandfather, a World War I veteran. Before he spoke, he placed a long, faded photograph of his grandfather’s unit by the podium. Then he recalled the tales of war’s horror that his grandfather would recount.
Marlin, a Navy veteran, spoke of the importance of organizations, like the legion, to help returning veterans.
Kane addressed the veterans as he stressed what his father, also a veteran, imparted to him many times, “Always remember the veterans.”
Gibbons highlighted the work of the training center as it prepares the next generation of sea service members to prepare for many life-threatening situations.
The Coast Guard Training Center’s Ceremonial Detail posted the colors, rendered a three-volley salute and played “Taps” at the close of the ceremony.
Various displays of numerous veterans’ organizations were placed around the hangar.
Among them was a display of artwork by county veterans. The collection was under the auspices of the county Cultural and Heritage Commission. It included sculptures, paintings and other artwork.
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
