Remembrance Day ceremony recognizes N.J. Vietnam vets
By maura dowgin
Staff Writer
Vietnam veterans from Monmouth and Ocean counties were honored as part of New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day May 7.
"I think [honoring these veterans] is long overdue. I think it’s important to go to these ceremonies to pass it along to our grandchildren," said retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert J. Pruchnik.
More than 200 veterans, including two women and seven posthumous, received Vietnam Service Medals at a ceremony held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Holmdel.
Sometimes Vietnam veterans do not come to these events because the memories are still too much for them to face, said Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, public affairs officer for the N.J. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
The veterans who did attend appreciated having their efforts recognized.
"I feel really good about this," said retired U.S. Army Spc. 5 Thomas A. Gargan. "It’s a long time coming."
The veterans were presented their awards by Col. Emil Philibosian, deputy commissioner for veterans affairs of the N.J. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Col. Leonard Luzky, public affairs officer of the New Jersey Army National Guard; and Assemblyman Samuel Thomp-son (R-Middlesex/Monmouth).
"The medal is symbolic for all that [the veterans] have done for America and all [they have] done for us," Thompson said.
"Veterans are important, as you know. Veterans are important because they have given us this country and the freedoms that we have today," said Philibosian. They "should be remembered and should be honored."
The Plainfield High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors and the Colonia High School wind ensemble performed the national anthem.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remem-brance Day was established in 1991 to honor all those who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
Awards are given out to applicants. There is no master list of all the veterans in New Jersey so applications are the only way to get the award, Harbison said.
To be eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal, veterans must be current New Jersey residents; have served in any branch of the armed forces in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia or the contiguous waters or airspace thereof from Dec. 31, 1960 to May 7, 1975, and have been honorably discharged or be active in the military, Harbison said.
Awards may be given posthumously if an application is filled out by a surviving spouse or immediate family member.
Veterans interested in receiving an application should send a written request to NJDMAVA, Attn: Vietnam Service Medal, P.O. Box 340, Trenton 08625-0340, or send an e-mail to [email protected], or call 1-800-624-0508.