Oct 26
2011

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

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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 pm, and remain open 24 hours a day until Sunday at 3 pm

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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 DC

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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.”

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Oct. 13, 6 pm, Opening Ceremonies

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  • Bateman will give opening remarks, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • The evening will end with a Somerset County Vietnam Veterans Medal Ceremony.

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Oct. 14, 6 pm, Law Enforcement and First Responders Ceremony

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  • 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.

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  • This will be followed by comments from Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano and Somerset County Mutual Aid Fire Coordinator Doug Rue.

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  • The ceremony will end with a laying of the 9/11 wreath.

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

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  • Opening remarks will be given by Palmer.

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  • 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.

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  • Vietnam veteran John Kitchen will be the keynote speaker.

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  • Wreaths will be laid in honor of the 34 Somerset County citizens who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

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Oct. 16, 1 pm Ride of Honor, 2 pm Closing Ceremonies

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  • There will be a ride of honor past the wall by Rolling Thunder with Vietnam veterans Michael Camerino, John Kitchen and Daniel Puntillo.

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  • Opening remarks will be made by Somerset County Park Commission Director Raymond Brown, with a welcome by Somerset County Freeholder Patrick Scaglione.

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  • Comments will be made by Rep. Rush Holt, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. and Rolling Thunder President Gary Scheffmeyer.

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

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