Camden County Commissioners and the community gathered at the Camden County Technical Schools in Gloucester Township on Nov. 13 to honor veterans on their annual holiday.
Commissioner Melinda Kane, a Gold Star Mother and liaison to the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, led the ceremony with a speech.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to honor those who selflessly served their country,” said Kane, whose son Jeremy was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. “Our veterans deserve to be honored and celebrated for their bravery and patriotism, and I am honored to be a part of today’s ceremony.”
Veterans Day recognizes the service of current and former military members in all of the country’s wars. Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
The county ceremony also brought together students, educators, and local leaders to reflect on the importance of Veterans Day and the responsibility of the community to support veterans throughout the year. It not only served as a tribute to veterans, but also as an educational experience for students.
“This ceremony allows students to understand the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of honoring them,” said a school representative.
The county ceremony also served as a reminder of the debt owed to veterans and the importance of honoring their legacy.
“Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms,” Kane noted as the event concluded. “It’s up to all of us to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
