By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer
As a descendent of a war veteran, Squadron Commander Toby Houseworth of American Legion Post 194 in Florence wants people to know what veterans have done for this country.
That sentiment is present in many towns across the county as municipalities prepare for various Veterans Day ceremonies this weekend.
In Florence, a Veterans Day memorial service will take place at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday at the Veterans Memorial Monument on Broad Street, next to the Municipal Building. Mr. Houseworth said events like this are crucial in raising awareness.
”They are good for the public because it makes them aware of the vets who served this country,” Mr. Houseworth said. “Without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Post 194, located at Sixth and Broad streets, is also hosting a dinner Nov. 17 to honor veterans in Florence. He added that while veterans do all they can for each other, he hopes the township will go the extra mile in its efforts.
”I strongly feel the town should do a lot more than they do,” he said. “They should make sure any vets in town have proper assistance and help them as much as possible.”
In Mansfield, the Historical Society is hosting its annual Veterans Day luncheon at the Garden State Diner located at Routes 537 and 541. Historical Society President Pearl Tusim said Veterans and Memorial Day events in Mansfield are important.
”These events are to honor the veterans for their contributions,” Ms. Tusim said. “We have been honoring these people since the Historical Society started in 1973.”
Ms. Tusim said Anthony Galli will address attendees at the luncheon.
”He is a very interesting speaker who has traveled all over the world,” she said. Tickets cost $17. Ms. Tusim can be reached at 609-298-4174 for more information regarding reservations.
The Bordentown Township Committee announced its Veterans Day ceremony will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Senior Community Center on 3 Municipal Drive. The ceremony will feature a color guard from each branch of service and a flag-folding ceremony. The keynote speaker for the event will be Col. Robert E. Watson, who retired from the U.S. Army National Guard in June after nearly 40 years of service. Col. Watson served in many military capacities throughout his career, including sergeant first class, battalion commander for the 3rd Battalion 112th Field Artillery in Morristown and chief of mobilization for Fort Dix.
American Legion Post 26 in Bordentown will perform a rifle salute and the Bordentown Regional High School Band will play under the direction of Frank Borgstrom-Planas. Township piper Sean Francis Henry will perform “Amazing Grace” and a wreath-laying ceremony is also planned featuring many area veterans’ organizations. The township’s own retired 1st Sgt. Dick Pinter, also known as the Lone Bugler, will perform taps following the wreath-laying ceremony. The Rev. Jay Rambo, of the First Baptist Church of Bordentown, will lead the invocation and benediction.
”Whatever we can do for our veterans, our towns or our country, we should do,” the Rev. Rambo said. “We need to remember the sacrifices they made in all of the wars.”
For the Rev. Rambo, those sacrifices are the key to Americans’ freedom. “This country wouldn’t be what it is today without the brave men and women who sacrificed their time and lives to serve this country,” the Rev. Rambo said. “Veterans Day is a solemn time to remember what the veterans have done for us.”