CREST HAVEN – Cape May County’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the County’s Veterans’ Cemetery marked the completion of Phase 1 of the multiphase plans for enhanced beautification at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans’ Cemetery. With total project costs of approximately $1.7 million, Phase 1 included 13,000 square yards of interior roadway asphalt, 22,000 brick pavers, new curbs and sidewalk, 100s of new plants and trees, 7 new flag poles each individually lighted, new signage, and the creation of a ceremony/reflection plaza with seating. Phase 1 and the planned phases ahead for the County’s Veterans’ Cemetery are aimed at honoring and beautifying the final resting place of our nation’s heroes from Cape May County.
Held within the County’s newly constructed ceremony/reflection plaza within the Cemetery, the Ceremony was a celebration of the County’s commitment to maintaining a distinguished and sacred space for families and friends to honor their loved ones and our fallen heroes. The Ceremony was well attended by civic groups, veterans’ organizations, local residents, members of the press, and included patriotic musical performances by the John Walters Cape Community Band.
Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio, Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, Commissioners Bobby Barr and Melanie Collette, County Clerk Rita Rothberg, Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen, Chris Chin from Congressman Van Drew’s Office, and former Commissioner Director Gerald M. Thornton all were in attendance to participate in the official, symbolic cutting of the ribbon.
Commissioner Director Desiderio emphasized, “As we gather here today for this ribbon cutting ceremony, let us remember the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Let us honor their services and commitment to our Country. And let us pledge to continue to uphold their legacy and ensure that their memories live on for generations to come.” Further stating, “I look forward to the design and construction of the future phases to come at the County’s Gerald M. Thornton Veterans’ Cemetery, which shall stand as a lasting tribute to our nation’s heroes.”
Commissioner Bobby Barr, liaison to Veterans’ Services, stressed the importance of maintaining the Veterans’ Cemetery as an honor to those who served our country, stating, “This cemetery is a place of honor and its significance to Cape May County residents should never be forgotten. We owe our Veterans and their spouses a debt of gratitude, and I look forward to being a part of Phase 2 under the direction of our Director and with the help of our Veterans Cemetery Advisory Committee,” stated Barr.
