On behalf of everyone at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) and those we serve, best wishes for health and prosperity as we enter a new year.
Each year at this time, I am grateful for the opportunity to remind New Jersey residents about a wonderful state resource — and the opportunity to support that resource — the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center.
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial pays tribute to the 1,563 New Jerseyans who did not return home from the Vietnam War. It is located on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Last year, we were honored to welcome both Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and state Senate President Steve Sweeney at foundation events honoring their roles in establishing and supporting our site — the only one of its kind in the country.
2016 marked 50 years since I first landed in Vietnam after being drafted by the U.S. Army. As executive director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, I join our board, staff and volunteers in fulfilling and advancing our mission. Together, we offer experiences at the memorial and adjacent museum that recognize the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam veterans.
NJVVMF operates an important and unique place where we educate all ages on the Vietnam War era through ceremonies, exhibitions, events and programs. Letters, artifacts and video testimonies share rare personal experiences. Visitors learn history from those who lived it through our free Vietnam veteran volunteer-led tours.
Each year we work with more than 9,000 school children and educators. Their time with the veterans is life-changing for the students and the guides. Our veterans have also helped those of more recent wars through projects like our Huey helicopter restoration and Combat Paper Project.
Our community should know that as a not-for-profit organization, NJVVMF is self-sustaining and we need the public’s support, both financially and through participation, to exist. With your help, we will preserve the legacy and continue to honor those who served and our active duty servicemen and servicewomen. Please remember us as we remember them.
Interested residents may check line 61 on the New Jersey state tax form to make a self-designated donation. We greatly appreciate this support. For more information, visit www.njvvmf.org
Bill Linderman
Executive Director
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation
Holmdel