Below is a schedule of ceremonies and services planned for Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day 2014.
County Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
Cape May County Veterans Cemetery – 129 Crest Haven Rd., Cape May Court House
The annual Cape May County Veterans’ Day Ceremony will be observed Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery located at 129 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey (Exit 11 off the GSP). Director Thornton, who oversees the Veterans’ Bureau, invites the public as well as all county veterans’ organizations to attend and honor the contributions of countywide veterans.
The invited speakers include: Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Director Thornton, Freeholders Kristine Gabor and Will Morey, and Captain G. Todd Prestidge, USCG, Commanding Officer at Training Center Cape May. Also, Brig. General Jeffrey L. Pierson will be the Master of Ceremonies, the United States Coast Guard will provide the Ceremonial Detail and representatives from various county veterans’ organizations with provide the flag detail.
Additionally, Eagle Scout Zac Lambert, from Troop 73 in West Cape May and Director Thornton will dedicate the newly built Memorial Prayer Garden. The garden, Lambert’s Eagle Scout Project, includes two benches amid shrubs and greenery that will allow visitors, according to Lambert, “A place to go and reflect on their loved ones.” Lambert has been working on the project since June along with members of Troop 73. Materials and funds for the project were donated by local businesses, veterans’ organizations, social organizations and individuals including a $400 donation from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 955 and American Legion Post 184, both of Wildwood. Lambert is the grandson of John M. Moran a past Supervisor of the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery who is buried not far from the Memorial Prayer Garden.
For more information, please call the Cape May County Veterans’ Bureau at 886-2762.
Avalon’s Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 p.m.
Veterans Plaza – 21st St. Circle, Avalon
The ceremony will be hosted by American Legion Post #331 (Stone Harbor/Avalon) and by Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi at Veterans Plaza, 21st Street and Dune Drive in Avalon.
“The Veterans Day ceremony affords us the opportunity to personally recognize and thank the men and women in all branches of the United States Military for the rights and freedoms citizens enjoy every day”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “I encourage all Avalon residents and visitors to take a few moments out of their day to give thanks to our veterans who have served our country for generations”.
Harry Clayton, the Commander of American Legion Post #331 will provide an introduction during the ceremony. Mayor Pagliughi will deliver a special message for veterans, and wreaths will be presented by various community and civic organizations. A flag presentation, rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps” will all be part of the ceremony.
Later in the day, American Legion Post #331 will be hosting an open house at 12:30 pm at 117th Street and Second Avenue in Stone Harbor.
Cape May’s Veterans Day Service
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
The War Memorial – Columbia Ave. & Gurney St.
Veterans Day, the federal holiday that honors the service of all U.S. military veterans, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11 with a ceremony at the War Memorial, Columbia Avenue and Gurney Street.
Each year on Veterans Day the American Legion’s “Harry Snyder” Post 193 and Veterans of Foreign War’s “Peterson-Little” Post 386 of Cape May join with other veteran organizations and local civic officials to remember our veterans by placing wreaths at the Columbia Avenue Monument. The public is invited to honor the men and women who served the nation in the United States military.
For additional information about the service, contact the American Legion Post 193 and Cape May Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 386 at (609) 884-7961.
North Wildwood VFW Post 5941 Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
North Wildwood Veterans Monument – New York & Spruce Aves., North Wildwood
North Wildwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5941 will be hosting services on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014 to honor those living veterans who have served and are now serving our nation by their military service.
The service will be at 10:00 a.m. at the North Wildwood Veterans Monument located at New York and Spruce Aves. in North Wildwood which honor all veterans.
All are welcome to attend to remember those living who have served and are now serving to ensure the freedoms we have in our great nation.
For more information about services or qualifications on joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars contact VFW Post 5941 Commander Joe Orlando at 1-609-729-5832.
Sea Isle City’s Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
Veterans Park – JFK Blvd. & Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
The annual gathering, which will be hosted by Mayor Leonard Desiderio, will feature many local veterans, religious leaders, elected officials and live music by the Ocean City High School Red Raiders Marching Band.
Sea Isle’s Veterans Day Ceremony will also feature a wreath-laying ceremony and a gun-salute by the Cape May County Militia. Additionally, First Bank of Sea Isle City will present a $2000 check to the members of VFW Post 1963 (the recipients of First Bank’s annual Community Partner Award), and “The South Shore Stitchers” quilting group will present hand-made “Quilts of Valor” to seven local combat veterans.
Following the ceremony at Veterans Park, Mayor Desiderio will gather with dignitaries on the 100 block of 46th Street, where he will officially dedicate that road to the memory of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor after saving his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. Though Crescenz was born in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and attended Cardinal Dougherty High School, his parents were married in Sea Isle City and his family has summered in the resort for decades.
For additional information about Sea Isle City’s Veterans Day Ceremony, phone (609) 263-4461, ext. 1245.
Veterans Day Service at Osprey Point
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
Staff Sergeant William Godfrey Memorial Park – 1731 Rte. 9, Seaville
A Veterans Day Service will be held at Staff Sergeant William Godfrey Memorial Park and hosted by Osprey Point resident, Aldo Palombo. The more than 50 veterans, who are residents of the Osprey Point Condominiums, along with visitors, and dignitaries will be acknowledged. Steve Schwegel, Osprey Point resident and Army veteran, will speak on his para medic and military experience.
Commander Charles Adelizzi of VFW Post 8695 will lead the Color Guard and Commander Hermon Scheinbine of American Legion Post 239 will lead the Rifle Squad. They will also lead the Pledge of Allegiance and their bugler will present Taps. Osprey Point residents will join Bob Wurtz in the singing of the National Anthem and patriotic songs. All are welcome to attend this Veterans Day Service to honor those who have and continue to serve our country.
If there is inclement weather, the Service will be held in the Osprey Point Clubhouse. The beautiful park is located at Osprey Point, 1731 Route 9, Seaville, NJ.
Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township Veterans Day Program
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Upper Township Branch of the Cape May County Library – 2050 Tuckahoe Rd., Petersburg
Hear firsthand accounts of WWII from some of our local residents. These stories were compiled by President Mike Houdart
and will be shared by some of these brave veterans.
For further details on these and other veteran-related events, visit www.events.capemaycountyherald.com.