rap #239 11/05/08
VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11TH: A DAY TO REMEMBER THE VETERANS WHO HAVE KEPT OUR NATION STRONG AND FREE
FROM THE SNOWY forests of Bastonge to the Sunni Triangle in Iraq, America’s veterans have fought for liberty and
freedom around the globe.
With the approach of Veterans Day, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders asked all residents to remember
the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military.
“Our country today, perhaps more than ever before, understands the great sacrifices made by our veterans,” said
Freeholder Gerry P. Little. “Just as our troops today are waging war on terror, their parents, grandparents and
great-grandparents fought against tyranny on the shores of Normandy, the rice paddies of Korea, the sweltering jungles
of Southeast Asia and the deserts of the Middle East.”
Today, there are more than 23.6 million veterans in the United States, including more than 6 million disabled
vets. Ocean County is home to 68,000 veterans, the most of any county in New Jersey.
“Throughout the 20th century and now in the 21st century, these soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who have
answered their nation’s call deserve our greatest thanks and respect,” Little said.
Little, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, also asked residents to also remember the
New Jersey National Guard volunteers who are now serving overseas.
“These men and women left their families, left their jobs and left their homes to travel across the globe and fight for
freedom,” he said. “No honor is too great for these brave men and women.”
Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari encouraged residents to attend one of the many Veterans Day ceremonies planned
throughout the county.
In Toms River, the annual Veterans Day Parade marches down flag-lined Main Street and Washington Street beginning at 9:30
am. On Tuesday, November 11.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and marked the end of World War I on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of
the 11th month of 1918.
The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the veterans of all wars.
Today, nearly 9.3 million veterans are 65 years old or older. More than 33 percent of all living veterans served in the
Vietnam War.
“No matter what their age or their background, all of our veterans have one thing in common – they served their country
with honor and bravery befitting a serviceman or servicewoman of the United States Armed Force,” Little said.
