Dozens of people gathered in front of Mantua’s municipal building on Nov. 11 for the township’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
Also on hand and in uniform were members of the Mantua VFW, its auxiliary and American Legion Post 192 in Wenonah, some of whom formed a color guard displaying the nation’s flag, the flags of their respective units and a POW flag.
The ceremony opened with an opening benediction from VFW chaplain Dave Daniels.
“These men and women paid the ultimate price,” he noted. “They continue to pay the ultimate price and those who are alive, we celebrate. We celebrate every veteran that has given up everything to fight for this great country.”
Two veterans also gave speeches at the ceremony: Charles Thorp, an Army retiree and senior vice commander of the VFW; and John Forren, commander of the Wenonah Legion post.
“Teddy Roosevelt said often, ‘Speak softly, and carry a big stick,'” Forren said. “Well, the big stick in this case is our nation’s military. The greatest armed forces on the planet. But consider this: Less than 0.5% of all Americans today are serving on active duty.
“Also consider this,” Forren added, “of all living Americans, less than 7.5% have ever served in the United States military. Those, of course, are remarkable percentages when you consider that we do have the greatest military on the planet.”
Township Committeeman John Legge, liaison to the Mantua Veterans Commission, presented a plaque and township proclamation to Vietnam War veteran and Mantua resident Patrick Leary, who was joined by his family.
“Reading this proclamation and presenting this proclamation is truly an honor and is one of my favorite duties that I get to do as a committeeman,” Legge announced. “As I read the words and read what each of these veterans has gone through, it’s truly humbling to know what they have done to give us the freedoms that we have.”
Students from J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School’s choir were in attendance, performing “American the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land.” Clearview Regional High School student and vocal ensemble member Norah Stankoski performed the national anthem.
Mayor Robert Zimmerman also announced the winners of the VFW’s poster contest. Students in grades three through six were tasked with creating a poster centered around the concept of “What is a veteran?” There were two winners in each grade level who received minted coins for their accomplishments.
“The kids do a phenomenal job every year,” said Zimmerman. “Every year, we take a look at this artwork and are just amazed at the time and effort that they put in. It’s a credit to them, their teachers and their parents.”
