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HOPEWELL: Local veterans, residents attend Saturday ceremony

Over 200 attended event hosted by the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association

   Saturday’s rainy weather did not prevent Hopewell Valley residents from coming together on Nov. 8 at Alliger Park to honor local veterans.
   Over 200 attended the ceremony hosted by the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association. The event featured remarks by retired Col. Stephen Abel, New Jersey deputy commissioner for Veterans Affairs.
   Col. Abel reflected on the significance of Veterans Day and described the sacrifices that men and women have made to preserve freedom. Those in attendance heard additional remarks from area mayors and elected officials, who encouraged citizens to continue their support for veterans by honoring America’s local heroes.
   The ceremony also included an unveiling of a Memorial Plaque by members of Hopewell Valley American Legion Post 339 and a dedication of 74 personalized bricks purchased in honor of veterans. Eleven bricks were donated by the Hopewell Township Police Benevolent Association, who paid tribute to current and past law enforcement veterans.
   Since the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2006, community members have purchased over 200 personalized bricks with the names of area veterans who served our country. These bricks align the memorial’s walkway and are dedicated twice a year, during the association’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.
   As Col. Ken Baker, president of the Veterans Association, said: “At each event, we read the names of every veteran being honored with a brick. Hearing the names of veterans from our area who defended our country brings a personal significance to the event and memorial site.”
   The Veterans Day ceremony also marked the completion of the first phase of construction at Alliger Park. Association members are raising funds for the second phase of construction. This phase will include a 42-space hard-surface parking lot with handicapped parking and accessible walkways to the memorial.
   ”This addition is essential for veterans and Valley residents with disabilities,” stated Col. Baker.
   For additional information on the association and ways to contribute, visit www.HopewellValleyVeterans.org.