No. Brunswick honors veterans with ceremony
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER AMATO Above: The Linwood Middle School choir, under the direction of Marjorie Mottola, sing a patriotic song during during the township's Veterans Day ceremony Friday at Veterans Park. Right: Veterans from North Brunswick pay their respects during the singing of "God Bless America."

NORTH BRUNSWICK - More than 42 million Americans have served in times of war and more than 1 million Americans have lost their lives doing so, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. During a special Veterans Day ceremony on Friday at Veterans Park, Linwood Middle School honored all of the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Local veterans Phil Abate, who served in the Navy during the tail end of the Korean War; Raymund Caffrey, who served in Korea; Matthew Daley, who was a Marine in Korea; Walter Lapp Sr., who served in World War II and Korea; Bill Samson of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars; John Stavola, who served with the 3rd Infantry Division; Jim Velcheck, who is on the Middlesex County Veterans Advisory Council; and Joseph Woods, who served in World War II with the combat engineers in Europe, were in attendance. They stood proudly and saluted the flag as the Linwood choir, under the direction of Marjorie Mottola, sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" and while a wreath was laid on the veterans memorial during taps.

"We feel it is very important as a community to always remember our veterans in this fashion," Principal Pete Clark said. "We thank all of the veterans here and all of the veterans who are not here for their service to us."

Clark said that since the days of the American Revolution when volunteers fired the first shots for freedom to nowadays, when the country strives for peace and opportunity, it is important to learn about the achievements of veterans and to treasure the gifts of liberty and democracy.

Township Council President Bob Davis echoed those statements, saying that the sacrifices of all military personnel must be recognized, despite varying opinions on the state of the world today.

"I think one thing we all have to understand, whether we agree with what is going on in Afghanistan or Iraq or not, is that those are our kids over there, and we have to back them 100 percent," said Davis, who was with the 11th Special Forces Group during Vietnam but did not see action. "We wouldn't be able to stand here in front of our flag and celebrate this [without them]."

The school's Student Council representatives also spoke, noting how although it is sometimes difficult for students to understand the difficulties veterans faced, it is important to mark the day with parades, speeches and ceremonies. In addition, Linwood's English classes wrote thank-you cards to the veterans for protecting this country, which were given to the veterans in attendance and will be distributed at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park.

"We often forget how much veterans contribute to democracy in our world," said Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula. "Sometimes when they come home, people don't give as much respect as they should. They have really given a lot, and their families have sacrificed a lot too. I really am very grateful."

The ceremony was the fifth annual commemoration by the middle school, which the high school had held previously for 15 years. Also in attendance were Freeholder Blanquita Valenti, of the Middlesex County Department of Human Services, under which the veterans advisory council falls, and North Brunswick Councilwoman Cathy Nicola.

North Brunswick vets are encouraged to register with the township so they can be informed of special events and for possible inclusion in a street-naming process, which names new streets after veterans. To register, visit the municipal clerk's office at 710 Hermann Road or visit www.northbrunswickonline.com.

Veterans Day will be officially observed nationwide on Nov. 11.