Bugler plays at county salute to Korean vets

   Manville resident James O’Reilly helped a crowd of about 1,200 pay tribute to Korean War veterans May 20, performing taps at a county the event for the veterans.
   Mr. O’Reilly of Dominick Street is the bugler for Manville VFW Post 2290. He has been periodically performing the "Star Spangled Banner" in front of his home since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
   The "salute" was organized by Somerset County, and held at the Garden State Exhibit Center. More than 500 veterans or their family members received a commemorative medal commissioned by the Board of Freeholders.
   In total, more than 1,100 veterans registered for the medal, which will be mailed to those who could not attend the ceremony.
   "We are here today to honor and thank a group of individuals who have all too often been forgotten or overlooked — by our citizens, by our government and by history," Freeholder Director Peter S. Palmer said.
   Freeholder Director Palmer and Deputy Director Denise Coyle co-hosted the program. Joining them on stage were Freeholder Rick Fontana and Freeholder Ken Scherer, event co-chairs, and Freeholder Robert Zaborowski. The dignitaries went into the audience to present the medals while the veterans’ names were read by Robert B. Newell, county commander of the American Legion, and retired Navy Warrant Officer Charles Kletz.