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State hosts ceremonies in Edison, Arneytown and Paramus

BY SGT. WAYNE WOOLLEY

More than 200 veterans whose service spanned from World War II to Afghanistan crowded into the sun-filled atrium on Thursday at the state Veterans Memorial Home in Edison for the observance of Veterans Day.

The event at the 109-acre facility was the culmination of two days events sponsored by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to showcase its facilities and honor the more than 430,000 New Jerseyans who have served in the five armed forces.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno told the assembled veterans the nation owed a debt of gratitude to everyone who has worn America's uniform.

"Veterans saved us from tyranny and supported us in our quest for fairness and liberty and democracy," Guadagno said. "Your service to Americans will never be forgotten."

At an event Wednesday at the state Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, Gov. Chris Christie addressed a room overflowing with veterans and thanked them for their service.

Christie said that while those who have served in the past must be honored on Veterans Day, the sacrifices being made every day by the 2.4 million men and women currently in the armed services should also be recognized.

"Those are the men and women who are rising to the challenges America faces today and will face for a long time to come," Christie said.

Both Christie and Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth said words of thanks on Veterans Day are appropriate, but the true measure of a state lies in how well its people care for veterans every day.

By that measure, they said, the state of New Jersey is doing its part.

Even in difficult fiscal times, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs remains fully funded. The department operates three veterans' homes that maintain a 98 percent occupancy rate; Veterans Haven, a transitional housing facility for homeless veterans in Winslow Township that is expanding this year; and Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Cemetery, the nation's busiest state-run veterans cemetery. In addition the Department has a statewide network of Veterans Service Officers who help former military members access federal and state veterans benefits. Each of the 15 service officers helps veterans secure between $3 and $4 million a year in federal entitlements.

At a ceremony at the Doyle Cemetery on Thursday, Jon Runyan, a former All-Pro offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles who will be sworn into office as the U.S. representative for the 3rd District in January, said during his years on the gridiron, he was always uncomfortable when an experienced player was called a "veteran."

The word, he said, should be reserved for those who were willing to die serving America.

"I truly believe veterans are the reason we have what we have in this great nation," Runyan said.

SOURCE: NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD