Veterans Day ceremony scheduled in Millstone

By MAUREEN DAYE
Correspondent

Bill Nurko, who chairs the Millstone Township Veterans Memorial Council, is inviting the community to attend a Veterans Day salute to United States military veterans at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.

Nurko, 71, said the event will take place at the Millstone Township Veterans Memorial, 470 Stagecoach Road (Route 524) in the Clarksburg section of the community. “Taps” will be played on trumpet and bugle.

Following the ceremony, complimentary refreshments will be served at the Millstone Township Community Center across Stagecoach Road from the memorial. The public is invited to attend.

“On Nov. 11, ceremonies traditionally take place at veterans memorials all across the United States at the exact hour, 11 a.m.,” Nurko said. “It is significant. Veterans Day is established as a national holiday to recognize our nation’s military veterans and the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation.”

Nurko said planning for the Veterans Day ceremony has been in the works for several months. “I think that what is most special about the ceremony is that we are fortunate enough to have a memorial in Millstone,” said Nurko, who is a former member of the Township Committee. “As a veteran, I am most proud that we have it. I think it is wonderful that we receive such a nice show of support from the community, too.”

He said the ceremony recognizes United States veterans of the past and present, and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the nation.

Nurko received his commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1966 through an ROTC program at Georgia Tech. He reported to San Diego and served as a main propulsion assistant aboard a destroyer. During a three-year tour, he was deployed to Vietnam twice.

Nurko left active duty in May 1969 and joined the Naval Reserves in New Jersey. His final assignment saw him serving as naval liaison officer to the state, working with the New Jersey National Guard. “During my time in the service, I was promoted through the ranks and retired in 1991 as a captain,” Nurko said. “I had 25 years of service. My goal was to make the rank of captain and get my silver eagle.”

Nurko said his wife, Clara, and their grandchildren will join him at the Nov. 11 ceremony.

“Having them there with me is the most important thing to me,” he said.

Nurko has lived in Millstone all of his life with the exception of his time away at college and in the Navy during active duty.

“Serving in the military made me proud to be an American,” he said. “I have made lifelong friends during my career. I still communicate with officers I served with aboard the destroyer.”

Veterans are welcome to attend meetings of the Millstone Township Veterans Memorial Council on the third Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. in the community center (second floor). Anyone interested in joining the council may contact Nurko at wnurko99 @aol.com for additional information.