Above: Mural artist Sam Donovan.
There just might be no better place to honor U.S. veterans than the Millville Army Air Field Museum’s (MAAFM) 23rd annual Veterans Appreciation Day at Millville Executive Airport.
The tribute is set for Saturday, November 2, starting at 10 a.m. with an 11 a.m. ceremony and noon luncheon. All veterans are invited to attend as guests of honor. The event is open to the public and is free of charge; donations are welcome.
The Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM) preserves the history of the Millville Army Air Field, which was “America’s First Defense Airport,” dedicated by the United States War Department in 1941. Located in the original WWII Base Headquarters Building, the Museum displays a large collection of WWII aviation artifacts of local and national interest. It recognizes the more than 10,000 men and women who served at Millville during WWII, including 1,500 pilots who received advanced fighter training in P-47 Thunderbolt and P-40 Warhawk fighter planes. The Museum recognizes all aspects of aviation history through its displays, community events, and educational programs.
“The museum is proud to salute America’s veterans at our special commemorative event. The 23rd anniversary of our Veterans Appreciation Day is certainly something to celebrate,” says Lisa Jester, MAAFM executive director. “We honor our World War II veterans here at America’s First Defense Airport, along with all veterans for their service to our country.”
Veterans of all American conflicts and peacetime are invited and encouraged to be part of this special day. Guest speaker for this year’s event is Brigadier General (Ret.) Stanley F. Cherrie, originally from Millville, who served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, with two tours in Vietnam, the second of which cost him a foot and much of his right hand. He went on to serve in many military leadership roles in Germany and in the Middle East as part of Desert Storm. Cherrie’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service medal, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Air Medal w/V, Air medal with numeral 8, and the Legion of Merit.
“We are very honored to have Stan Cherrie speak and tell us first hand about his experiences in the military,” continues Jester, “and even more importantly to help us honor all American veterans for their many contributions and sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today.”
The Museum expects several of area World War II veterans and their families to attend Veterans Appreciation Day, giving them the opportunity to share experiences and receive special recognition. Additional WWII veterans and families are encouraged to attend. Please contact the museum by calling 856-327-2347.
Part of the Millville Army Air Field Museum’s Veterans Appreciation Day 2024 will include recognizing the contributions of mural artist Sam Donovan of Woodstown.
“The murals that Sam Donovan created for our museum give a vivid visual of life here at America’s First Defense Airport during World War II, as well as offer an ongoing thank you to our veterans who served,” continues Jester. “Starting with the three-story mural on Millville City Hall that was dedicated in 1998, Sam’s murals have defined Millville Airport’s important military and aviation history. We are delighted to recognize Sam Donovan for his outstanding creative contributions.”
Keeping with past traditions, Veterans Appreciation Day 2024 will also feature Millville High School students, youth members of the Cumberland Civil Air Patrol, and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Explorers as they welcome veterans and assist with activities.
Displays on the museum grounds include the Douglas C-47 Skytrain Nose, M603A Tank, a U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawk, the U.S. Army C-23 Short Sherpa aircraft, the restored original Millville Air Base fire truck, a 1967 M151A1 Jeep, and a 2-1/2 ton military truck. Additionally, visitors can see the four impressive outdoor murals on site created by Donovan that tell the history of the Millville Army Air Field during World War II.
The ceremony will include a presentation of the colors by Semper Marine Detachment 205 of Vineland, and a musical salute to veterans offered by bagpiper Jim Rembisz. Prayers will be offered for veterans both alive and deceased. In commemoration, there will be a wreath laying and moment of silence.
“On behalf of the Millville Army Air Field Museum, we are so proud to present our Veterans Appreciation Day to the public each year,” notes Jester. “Together we recognize and honor the valuable role of all American veterans and thank them for their many contributions and sacrifices.”
The day’s activities feature a free “Canteen” lunch for all visitors, sponsored by Verna’s Flight Line Restaurant and Catering, which donates and prepares all of the food. Special thanks to Wawa, Bottino’s ShopRite, Angelic Healthcare, and Supply It All for their donation of items to help make this event a success. The museum will remain open until 4 p.m.
The MAAFM is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Mondays by appointment.
Millville Army Air Field Museum’s 23rd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day
Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
10 a.m:. Museum Opens
- Coffee and donuts will be available in the museum courtyard.
- Veterans will be available in the museum throughout the day to share their experiences.
- 11 a.m.: Veteran Tribute Ceremony in the museum courtyard (between the museum building and the Wyble Research Library, weather permitting)
- 12 noon to 2 p.m.
- Free Canteen Lunch for veterans and all visitors
- The museum will remain open until 4 p.m.
