The president of the American Legion Riders from the George P. Vanderveer Post 129, Toms River, invited Jackson American Legion Post 504 to participate in the New Jersey Mission of Honor for cremains of American veterans ceremony which was held on Aug. 30.
According to a press release, three members from Post 504 were able to attend — Post Commander Bill Palme, rider and past Post Commander Pete Collins, and rider Jim Brophy.
The purpose of the Mission of Honor organization is to locate, identify and inter orphaned and abandoned cremains (cremated remains) in order to provide honor and respect to those who have served the nation in time of peace and conflict.
Burials are held at Brig. Gen. William Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown.
The Aug. 30 ceremony honored six veterans, one World War I Navy veteran, three World War II Army veterans, one Korean War Army veteran, and one Vietnam War Army veteran. The initial ceremony was held at the hosting Post, Post 129, Toms River.
The ceremony was attended by a number of state, district and local dignitaries, and approximately 60 attendees. The ceremony was followed by an escorted motorcade to the cemetery that consisted of two New Jersey State Police trooper cars, approximately 35 motorcycles and six automobiles.
At the cemetery there was a formal military burial ceremony to pay homage to the six veterans, according to the press release.
To date there have been a total of 85 New Jersey veteran cremains found, identified and interred.
Further information about the New Jersey Mission of Honor organization can be found at www.njsmissionofhonor.org.