A day to honor America’s vets

Veteran’s Day approaches, along with ceremonies

By: Joseph Harvie
   United States veterans will be honored at Veterans Day ceremonies at the Municipal Building at 11 a.m. Saturday.
   Al Kady, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9111, said wreath-laying ceremonies will be performed at the Municipal Building on Route 522 by members of VFW Post 9111 on Henderson Road, and American Legion, Post 401, on Major Road.
   Mayor Frank Gambatese will be the keynote speaker at the event, Mr. Kady said. Members of the Township Council, the Board of Education, local clergy and retired military personnel will join the mayor at the ceremonies.
   The federal holiday, originally known as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War I, when at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918 the Germans signed the armistice, which ended major hostilities in the Great War. It was changed in the 1950s to commemorate all those who have served in the American Aarmed forces.
   "Veterans Day is a day we recognize and honor the men and women who have so valiantly served America," Mr. Kady said.
   Mr. Kady said the High School Marching band will perform patriotic songs, and "Taps," will be played in commemoration for veterans who have died. Also, members of the VFW and American Legion Color Guard will fire volleys to honor the veterans. Five wreaths will be laid at the veteran’s monument in the Municipal Complex for those who served in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
   In addition, the Rev. John Maltby, of Miller Memorial Presbyterian Church, will say the opening prayer.
   Mr. Kady said U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, a Democrat whose district includes South Brunswick, and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, whose district includes South Brunswick, will also speak at the ceremony.