Veterans Thank City for Its Service

WILDWOOD – Two local veterans’ groups said thank you for your service to several City of Wildwood officials and city departments for their unwavering support of veterans during the Feb. 21 meeting of the Michael P. Callahan Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 955.
Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr., Commissioner Tony Leonetti, Commissioner Pete Byron, former Commissioner Bill Davenport, Chief of Police Stephen Long and Ron Harwood from the Wildwood Fire Department were all honored for their work and support of veterans.
“Since we started our chapter, we had the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall,” said Vince DePrinzio, the group’s treasurer. “Then we had the honor and the privilege of being the only one in the entire country of having a permanent Vietnam Memorial Wall.”
DePrinzio added he, along with his fellow veterans, were in agreement that the organization received the most support from the city’s Commissioners, Police Department and both its paid and volunteer fire companies.
Certificates of appreciation from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 955 and American Legion Post 194 were presented to the mayor, city commissioners, fire and police departments noting their dedication to veterans’ causes in the city. Also awarded certificates of appreciation were Post Commander Harry Tweed as well as DePrinzio.
“We wanted to give them something small,” said DePrinzio of the city officials’ awards. “But we think to them it is something big.”
“This award is extremely appreciated,” said Troiano. “It’s quite obvious what you guys mean to us and what that wall means to us. I value that piece of ground over there as the most valuable piece of ground in the City of Wildwood.”
Troiano added bringing the Wall to Wildwood was a labor of love. “The veterans are the true heroes of this whole story. Your sacrifices give us the ability to stand here today. We thank each and every one of you for the job you did and, most importantly, welcome home.”