MONMOUTH COUNTY – On November 11, veterans across the country came together with their families and friends to celebrate Veterans Day and honored those who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Many towns throughout Monmouth County held small ceremonies and virtual events this year due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, some officials and residents came out to in-person ceremonies to honor military veterans.
In Freehold Township, Mayor Lester A. Preston, Jr., Deputy Mayor Thomas L. Cook and Township Committee Members Anthony J. Ammiano, Maureen Fasano and Alan C. Walker hosted this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Township’s All Wars Memorial at Municipal Plaza.
The All Wars Memorial was installed in 1989 and is a tribute to all veterans from all wars. The memorial consists of two flag poles and a large stone with a tablet on it with the inscription “Gratefully dedicated to all veterans who served our country in the cause of Freedom. November 11, 1989.”
The mayor and committee members were joined by guest speaker William Madigan who served for 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman where he was deployed to Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Madigan spoke about his engagement with the non-profit organization “Soldier On.” The organization provides safe, sustainable and affordable housing to homeless veterans.
Father Brian T. Butch from St. Robert Bellarmine Church and Rabbi Brooks Susman from Congregation Kol Am also joined the ceremony and provided the benediction and invocation.
Serving as the Color Guard for the event were members of the Corporal Philip A. Reynolds Detachment Marine Corps League, the American Legion Post #54 and the Freehold Township Police Department.
Monmouth County has been running their “Honoring Our Heroes” appreciation program for about five years which benefits all local Veterans in the county. Veterans can get a free Veteran ID card and use numerous restaurants and stores in Monmouth County.
To learn more about the services Monmouth County has to offer for veterans, visit visitmonmouth.com.
