Ceremony held Sunday at high school
by Michelle McGuinness, Special Writer
Veterans, politicians and high school students alike came out Sunday to at the South Brunswick Municipal Complex to honor those who have fought in America’s wars.
Between performances of patriotic music by South Brunswick High School’s Viking Band, former members of the military reminded those gathered on Veterans Day of the sacrifice many of their comrades made in defending the country and of the struggle of those currently serving in all branches of the military.
”Veterans Day is somber in one way, but it’s also a thank you to all the veterans,” said Rich Allen, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, said.
Mr. Allen said many people, especially younger generations, may not realize why American soldiers go abroad to fight and the history of the wars the United States has been involved with. He said it is important for all Americans to be aware of the country’s history and the sacrifice soldiers have made in the past and continue to make today.
”They need to go back and say, ‘History repeats itself,’ “ Mr. Allen said.
Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein also attended the ceremony. She praised veterans for the sacrifice they have made for the country.
”All of us are indebted in everything we do to the veterans who served here,” Ms. Greenstein said. “We wouldn’t have the great government, the great history and the great people we have here today if it wasn’t for you.”
The gathering also included a wreath-laying ceremony in which veterans presented wreaths in honor of their fallen comrades. The laying of the colorful wreaths was accompanied by the sharp crack of a salute by gunfire and a solemn performance of taps by members of the high school band.
The band’s performance included other patriotic songs such as “God Bless America.” Clad in the school colors of black and gold, the high school color guard accompanied the band in honoring the veterans that morning.
Mr. Allen, who has attended the ceremony in South Brunswick for several years, said this year’s was one of the best he’s seen, in part because of the band.
”The high school band was terrific,” he said. “They really make it a great ceremony.”
Richard Pollard, who served as an airplane mechanic in World War II and the Korean War, has also come out to South Brunswick to celebrate Veterans Day for years. Mr. Pollard has served as the chaplain of the ceremony for the past four years.
Mr. Pollard said South Brunswick’s celebration of the holiday is particularly special.
”There’s not too many towns that do anything like this so it stands out as an accomplishment,” he said.
Mr. Pollard said Veterans Day is not only important to honor those who did not come home from wars, but also those who continued to contribute to the country after leaving the service. He said these are the people who helped get the country back on its feet after major wars.
”You’ve got many veterans who came home and lived a successful life,” he said.
Mr. Pollard said Veterans Day is especially important for honoring these men and women, whose contributions may otherwise be overlooked.
For Hank DeGroff, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, Veterans Day is a more personal celebration. Mr. DeGroff said, for him, the holiday means an opportunity to honor people he knew and served with.
”They shouldn’t be forgotten,” he said. “I just wish everybody would remember the veterans and honor them.”
He added that the newest veterans, such as those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, should be honored as well.
”Our veterans are one of the most important groups to all of us,” Ms. Greenstein said.
She said the veterans have a huge impact on our lives because of their contribution to protecting the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis.