Continuing a proud annual tradition in Manchester Township, our hometown United States Service Members were honored during a moving Veterans Day ceremony outside of Town Hall on November 11, 2024.
“It is often easy to think that our freedoms are a given, to think of them as constant,” said Mayor Rob Arace during his keynote address. “On days like today, we’re reminded that those freedoms have been fought for with the utmost bravery and conviction.”
Following the introduction of the proceedings by Roger P. Grenier, chairman of Manchester Township’s Veterans Advisory Committee, honored guest State Senator Carmen Amato next offered remarks and presented a Veterans Day resolution issued by the State Senate and General Assembly. “You answered that call. You’re that one percent,” Amato said. “Thank you very much for your service.”
Proudly joining the ceremony were elected officials including members of the Manchester Township Council and Assemblyman Greg Myhre. It was a moving morning of musical remembrances, featuring Marisiya Goins who sang the “National Anthem” and “Amazing Grace,” bagpiper John Giblin, who performed the “Military Medley,” and Larry Butts, who performed “Taps” to close the ceremony.
Additional guest speakers included Phillip Zimmerman, director of the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau, and Rev. David Rittinger, Whiting Bible Church, who offered the Invocation and Benediction. Veterans in attendance were honored with certificates commemorating their decorated service presented by Geri Oliverie Hennicke of Oliverie Funeral Home.
On behalf of Mayor Arace and the Township Council, Manchester Township remains grateful to everyone who attended and participated in creating such a memorable ceremony honoring our local Veterans, year after year. This annual tradition holds significant meaning to all of our veterans, as well as our Manchester community that gathers to honor their service.
A very special thank you goes to Manchester Recreation and our Veterans Advisory Committee for organizing this annual tradition, and to Buildings and Grounds for staging the event. Additionally, thank you to the Manchester High School Junior ROTC, Manchester Police, and all of our emergency responders for their continued support of this program and our veterans.