HILLSBOROUGH: Veterans feted at ballpark

By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
   The Somerset Patriots stadium was not just for baseball on Sunday, but was host to a large tribute to veterans before the game.
   Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Gulf War, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Haiti, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom were all honored. Also honored were the Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled America Veterans, Coast Guard League, Navy League, National Guard, and Seabee Organization.
   The veterans took to the field at TD Bank Ballpark, lining the baseline from third base to first base in front of the crowd. Joe Yuzuik, a Marine Corps sergeant who survived the Vietnam War, and Frosty Lawson, who has never served in the military, along with Operation Jersey Cares and the Somerset Patriots organized the event. Mr. Lawson performed “God Bless the USA,” “The Star Spangled Banner” and one of his own songs, “America the Light of the World.”
   Hillsborough residents Lou Colucci and Joe Smolinka were two of the veterans honored. Mr. Colucci fought in Vietnam in the Army from 1965-68. “I feel it is a great day. It is an appreciation that is well deserved to all of the veterans who made sacrifices all of the days of the lives. This is a great acknowledgement.” Mr. Smolinka was in the Navy for four years on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He was teary eyed as he spoke about the celebration. “I liked it, I was here last year. The Navy was for good for me,” he said.