VFW, New Jersey Honor Veterans in Stadium Tributes During 'Veterans of America Day'
A young boy in the stands watches the men assemble on the field of the Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J – the home of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Team –on a warm summer afternoon. “Why are those men on the field in uniforms?” he asks his father. “What did they do that was so special?”Dad explains that those are veterans who have defended our country and deserve to be recognized and honored by a grateful nation. The young child smiles and waves his little United States flag wildly as the parade goes by.
Moments like this make Joe Yuzuik, VFW Post 2290 in Manville, N.J., and the other organizers of the “Veterans of America Day” celebration proud to be affiliated with the event now in its fifth year.
Yuzuik remembers how it all started.
After a July 4, 2003, fireworks display, Yuzuik said he approached Steve Kalafer, team and stadium owner, and asked him if he would honor veterans.
“Steve immediately said the ballpark was ours," Yuzuik said, "and the Patriots would make sure we got whatever we needed to accomplish a tribute.”
With the help of Yuzuik's friends -- John Dorell, an Army Vietnam veteran, and Pat DeChirico, a Marine Corps Korean War through Operation Desert Storm veteran -- things began to take shape.
Since 2003, events have included keynote speakers such as Medal of Honor recipients and important military leaders like former Brigadier General Janis Karpinski.
Most recently, VFW national commander-in-chief, George Lisicki, addressed the crowd – and even threw out the first pitch of that day’s game!
Other patriotic activities have included flyovers from WWII planes, rifle salutes, echo taps, color guards from various military and veterans organizations and stirring musical performances.
Outside the stadium, local groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and the Bridgewater Police Force set up booths that are popular with the community. Inside, there are tables laden with information specific to veterans seeking help with benefits and entitlements issues.
As a Vietnam veteran, Yuzuik said the ceremony has special significance to him.
“I survived Vietnam and did not question it,” he said. “I have a caring and wonderful wife, Nancy, a beautiful daughter, Kristin, and the support of true friends. I don’t take anything for granted – I take life one day at a time and enjoy what the day brings.”
“Veterans of America Day” is a moving and respectful occasion that draws veterans from all over the area, as well as from the local VA Hospital and Soldier’s Home Yuzuik said, adding that the other organizers are humbled to be in presence of the veterans who attend.
“The ceremony is getting bigger every year,” he said. “To be able to honor veterans for the sacrifices they have made, to be able to meet veterans from all of the wars, to have had the privilege and honor of being on the same field as Medal of Honor recipients and a survivor of the Bataan Death March – I feel that I have been blessed.”
Labels: VFW News
posted by Greg @ 6:30 AM
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