Veterans, officials and residents gathered at the Bordentown Cemetery on the morning of Nov. 10 to honor their local current and fallen war heroes.
The morning’s processions included multiple speeches by township officials and veterans, as well as a Presentation of the Colors ceremony, an honorary flag folding, an Armed Forces salute, a wreath laying by the Boy Scouts Troop 13 and a proclamation presentation for the township’s “Home Town Hero.”
“Our veterans are being honored today for their service to their country. They love, cherish and protect it at all costs,” Bordentown Township Mayor Stephen Benowitz said. “Their efforts, whether in times of war or peace, guarantee us our liberty and pursuit of happiness. The brave men and women who served in the military should be honored and recognized for what they did, not only today, but for 365 days a year.”
As Benowitz addressed the audience at the grounds of the cemetery to kick off the morning event, he reminded the people gathered there to bestow their appreciation to veterans as well as the necessary efforts to help any veteran in need.
“When you notice a veteran, thank them for their service,” Benowitz added. “Our veterans deserve all the services this country could provide and should provide. Medical outreach and all other services should be provided. We all need to reach out to our veterans to acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for us.”
Following several more introduction speeches and comments, keynote speaker for the event, Captain Muhammad Muzzafar Khan, Commanding Officer Naval Support Activity Lakehurst, shared his experiences in the military and his gratefulness to the country.
Having been born in Pakistan, Captain Khan touched on moments where his adjustment in coming to America when he was 18 and learning its culture was difficult at times.
Alongside the story of his immigration to the country, Captain Khan also discussed his contributions to the U.S. Navy, how his service changed him and what being an American meant to him.
“I’ve been apart of this lethal force for almost 30 years,” Captain Khan said. “It has been an amazing journey, and I’m the embodiment of the American Dream.”
Later on in the event, Mayor Benowitz approached the podium again to announce and proclaim the annual “Home Town Hero” selection on behalf of the township.
Receiving the annual honor at the event was Donald W. Mohr, a veteran and Bordentown resident, who’s an active member of the township’s Veterans Advisory Committee as a Sergeant at Arms and Vice Chairman.
Initially drafted into the Army and began his service in 1967, Mohr was eventually deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam and assigned to II Corps in the Central Highlands in Plieku Providence with the 4th Infantry Division Replacement Company.
Having been injured in combat, but also been a part of multiple operations, mission and battles, Mohr received the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with two stars and multiple other accreditations.
Benowitz proclaimed Mohr as this year’s selection for the township honor to recognize his “outstanding achievements.”