SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Cold temperatures sharpened by a ripping wind did not deter South Brunswick residents from gathering outside the Municipal Building to honor past and present servicemen on Veterans Day.
American Legion Post 401 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9111 combined to commemorate the holiday at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, with the latter providing hosting duties. South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese and Democratic Congressman Rush Holt (D-12th District) both spoke to the country’s responsibility in taking care of its veterans.
After a performance by the South Brunswick High School Viking Band, the singing of “The Star- Spangled Banner” by Virginia Kraft and a prayer led by the Rev. John Maltby, Gambatese explained the history of Veterans Day. He cited its beginnings as Armistice Day in 1919 and its change in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars in which Americans have fought.
He also said the future of American soldiers depends on how we, as a nation, treat our veterans. Holt echoed Gambatese’s opinions on American citizens’ responsibility to the country’s servicemen and servicewomen.
“We need to make good on the promise of this country to ‘care for him who shall have borne the battle,’ ” Holt said, referencing Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 inaugural address.
Gambatese told the substantial crowd surrounding the monument in front of the building that during his recent vacation, he and his wife visited the Normandy, Omaha and Utah beaches in France. He said he got chills looking at the 10,000 crosses, marking the graves ofAmerican soldiers.
“Ten thousand men gave their lives so the rest of the world could be free of dictatorship,” he said. “When you see a soldier, say ‘Thank you,’ because without their tireless dedication, we would not be here today.”
Besides Gambatese and Holt, council members Charles Carley, Joseph Camarota and Chris Kilmurray were in attendance as well as Board of Education Vice President Deborah Taylor, Chief of Police Ray Hayducka and Rabbi Mendy Carlebach, who offered a benediction.
Before concluding the ceremony, VFW members performed the laying of the four wreaths around the town’s monument and then fired a rifle volley. Refreshments were served at VFW Post 9111 on Henderson Road after the ceremony.