Community Corner

Traveling Memorial to Honor Veterans

North Branch Park will host the American Veterans Traveling Tribute.

Honoring veterans and those currently in the service, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute [AVTT] and Traveling Vietnam Wall will come to, beginning Thursday, according to a release from the Somerset County Park Commission.

The exhibit—coming to Bridgewater in partnership with the Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452—will open Thursday at 1 p.m., and remain open 24 hours a day until Sunday at 3 p.m.

The tribute itself includes Cost of Freedom memorials and exhibits, as well as an 80-percent-to-scale version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It is a 370-foot-long replica with all names that are included on the original wall.

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The American Veterans Traveling Tribute will provide this local opportunity for people to pay respect to veterans honored at the memorial in Washington D.C.

In addition to the exhibits themselves, there will be ceremonies everyday honoring service men and women, all chaired by Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman, R-16.

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“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and remember the many service men and women who have given their all in the name of freedom,” Bateman said in a release from the county park commission. “It is also a chance for our young people to gain a first-hand understanding of the sacrifices made by members of their parent’s generation.”

Oct. 13, 6 p.m., Opening Ceremonies

  • Bateman will give opening remarks, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Comments will follow by NJ Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs Ray Zawacki, Assemblyman Peter Biondi [R-16] and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452 President John LeGates.
  • There will be a laying of the POW/MIA wreath by Somerset County Freeholders Bob Zaborowski and Peter Palmer; laying of the Gold Star Mothers of New Jersey wreath; laying of the Military Order of Purple Hearts Chapter 27 wreath; and laying of the Department of New Jersey Marine Corps League wreath.
  • The evening will end with a Somerset County Vietnam Veterans Medal Ceremony.

Oct. 14, 6 p.m., Law Enforcement and First Responders Ceremony

  • Peapack-Gladstone Police Chief Gregory Skinner will make opening remarks and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a welcome from Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano.
  • This will be followed by comments from Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano and Somerset County Mutual Aid Fire Coordinator Doug Rue.
  • The ceremony will end with a laying of the 9/11 wreath.

Oct. 15, 5 p.m., Military Service Day Honoring All Who Served

  • Opening remarks will be given by Palmer.
  • Comments will follow by Somerset County Director of Veterans Affairs Peter Niemiec, Bridgewater Township Mayor Patricia Flannery, AVTT Marketing Director Tom Zarcone and Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.
  • Vietnam veteran John Kitchen will be the keynote speaker.
  • Wreaths will be laid in honor of the 34 Somerset County citizens who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

Oct. 16, 1 p.m. Ride of Honor, 2 p.m. Closing Ceremonies

  • There will be a ride of honor past the wall by Rolling Thunder with Vietnam veterans Michael Camerino, John Kitchen and Daniel Puntillo.
  • Opening remarks will be made by Somerset County Park Commission Director Raymond Brown, with a welcome by Somerset County Freeholder Patrick Scaglione.
  • Comments will be made by Rep. Rush Holt, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. and Rolling Thunder President Gary Scheffmeyer.

For more information and a complete list of participants and activities, visit the county website.


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