On his final day as mayor of Gloucester City, Daniel Spencer led a powerful and touching Memorial Day Service May 31 at the War Memorial on Broadway.
“Last year the ceremony was suspended due to COVID-19,” Mayor Spencer told the audience of several hundred people on a sunny, warm Monday morning. “We did have a small ceremony, and went to the home of Marc Ryan (who was killed in action in Afghanistan).”
The mayor welcomed the JRROTC students from Gloucester City High School, who presented the colors followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by senior Cameron Rudderow.
Then, he introduced Vietnam veteran Earl Courter of VFW Post 3620 in Gloucester City, who went on to serve as the VFW State Commander and Quartermaster.
“There is no freedom without bravery,” Courter said. “Generation after generation has served in the military. They know the freedom is worth fighting for, and if necessary, dying for. Today we honor their sacrifice. The best way we can honor them is to live what they died for, a country of freedom and equality.”
Gloucester City’s favorite son Thomas Gurick spoke next.
“We need to reflect on how solemn today is, and in our hearts keep the true meaning of Memorial Day,” he said, and then read a poem about how freedom comes with a cost, the ultimate sacrifice by so many brave soldiers.
Gurick then turned to the mayor, and said, “Thanks for your service to our community. Dan has spent his entire life in service to the community, through the Rotary Club, St. Mary’s Church, the Camden County Health Office and as a councilman and mayor here in Gloucester City.”
NJ Assemblyman William Moen Jr. (D-5) said his father and grandfather were both veterans.
“My dad (William Sr.) turned 70 today. He was one of the lucky ones who came home from Vietnam.”
Moen than gave statistics about how many Camden County residents were killed in action since the Civil War:
“Civil War, 310; WWI, 134; WWII, 924; Korea, 55; Vietnam, 18; and the War on Terror, 16. Today, we honor all of them for their sacrifice,” he said.
The ceremony continued with the placing of the wreaths in front of the memorial, a reading of the memorial list of residents from Gloucester City and Brooklawn, a four-rifle salute, taps and the raising of the United States flag.
From there, with was a small parade to the Freedom Pier on the Delaware River for the launching of the memorial boat.
