Lawrence pays tribute to its veterans.
By: Jennifer Potash Managing Editor
Honoring the sacrifice of veterans is the point of Veterans Day, but citizens ought not to forget about soldiers serving overseas.
"I think about the soldiers and the numbers of Americans who are in far-flung corners of the world, these young men and women whose families must be in need," said Mayor Pam Mount on Friday at the township’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
The event, held at the American Legion Post 414 off Berwyn Place, also included the placing of a memorial wreath at the township’s war memorial in Veterans Park, adjacent to the American Legion Post.
Mayor Mount’s son, Mark, is sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in Afghanistan.
She encouraged the audience of about 75 people to volunteer with groups such as the New Jersey National Guard Family Assistance Center located at the Army National Guard Armory off Eggerts Crossing Road, or helping the family of service member with household chores or paying bills.
The contributions of past veterans, notably those who served in World War II, was the focus, with more than two dozen Lawrence residents who served in that war in attendance at the ceremony.
This year marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The featured speaker at the ceremony was Henry Pierre, a former Lawrence resident and executive assistant to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee that helps the soldiers reacclimate to civilian life, including a turning to the workforce.
The committee comprises volunteers who work to ensure returning soldiers are not penalized at work for their military service and help the reserve and guard members find jobs, Mr. Pierre said.
"Some employers (in the state) even pay the soldier’s salary while he’s serving," Mr. Pierre said. "The employers are great and have really supported the Guard and Reserve since Sept. 11."
Mr. Pierre, who is a retired Army sergeant, said the average deployment overseas for Guard and Reserve members is about 16 months.
"It’s not longer one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer," he said.
Nicholas Loveless, the American Legion Post historian, the local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Legion seek to recognize all Lawrence residents who served in America’s wars and conflicts. An honor roll of names, from the American Revolution to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq is displayed at the township Municipal Building.
He unveiled a new plaque containing additional names for the honor roll.
Lawrence residents who were added to the honor roll are: Thomas Fawcett and Joseph Ragolia, World War II; Clyde C. Fausey and Robert L. Nestor, Korean War; John Mac Skimming, Martin F. Nestor and Bouldin S. Hitchcock, Vietnam War; Dennis D’Angelo, Panama; Raymond Aguila, Ralph Floyd and Daniel Lookner, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans Day is also about honoring the soldiers who have yet to return home from the battlefield, said Donald Cermele, a member of American Legion, Post 414, who served as master of ceremonies for the program.
Mr. Cermele called the audience’s attention to a display in the corner of the room to honor soldiers listed as missing in action or as prisoners of war.
The small table, with a single place setting, a single red rose in a bud vase represents the families’ hope for a reunion with the missing service members as well as a tangible symbol of the soldiers’ sacrifice, Mr. Cermele said.
Also attending the serve were Lawrence Township Council members Mark Holmes, Rick Miller, Michael Powers and Greg Puliti.
The Veterans Day ceremony also included patriotic musical selections sung by Lawrence High School students Christina Caracco, Nicole Massara, Alyssa Wilkins and Danielle Garrison.

