By Michelle McGuinness, Staff Writer
MONROE — Veterans Day did not go unnoticed in Monroe, with celebrations taking place on Monday.
The holiday, which actually fell on Sunday, was celebrated by two wreath-laying ceremonies in Monroe, one at the Triangle Memorial on Spotswood-Englishtown Road at 8:15 a.m., followed by another at the Veterans Monument in the township’s Municipal Complex an hour later.
The event was hosted by the American Legion Post 522, but was also attended by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 262, Jewish War Veterans Post 609, American Legions Post 127 and Korean War Veterans Post 148.
Between the veterans and servicemen and women attending the ceremony, there was a representative from every recent major war America had been involved with dating back to World War II.
Three color guards made up of veterans from the local posts were on hand to pay tribute.
The event also featured the laying of the wreath as well as prayers, poems and speeches given by Monroe veterans and Mayor Richard Pucci.
”We remember how men and women preserved our American heritage,” said Leo McKernan, a member of American Legion Post 522, during the service. “Out of blood and sweat we learned purpose, sacrifice, bravery and discipline.”
Other veterans also shared their thoughts on Veterans Day.
Public honor must be given where public honor is due,” said Irv Rosenthal, a World War II veteran and vice commander of the American Legion’s Post 522.
Mr. Rosenthal said that over the years he has seen a change in the American public and the treatment of veterans, some for the better and some for the worse.
”The respect for the veteran has increased,” Mr. Rosenthal said. “But the treatment by the (Department of Veterans Affairs) should be improved.”
He said veterans deserve all the respect and honor people can give them.
”The respect that the public gives to veterans, each and every one, they earned it by self-sacrifice,” Mr. Rosenthal said.
One of the many township leaders who attended the event reminisced with other veterans of the hardships their generation had to go through while growing up during World War II.
Gerald Tamburro, Monroe Township’s council president, said he remembered saving dimes, rationing gas and planting victory gardens all in the name of the war effort.
”It was a badge of honor to support these troops,” Mr. Tamburro said. “It was a nationwide effort.”
Mr. Tamburro said there is a strong affinity toward this holiday from the township.
”The population of our town is 50 percent seniors,” Mr. Tamburro said. “Not only do we have veterans but we have people who grew up through these wars.”
