Monmouth County remembers
those who served
County offices closed Monday, in observance of Memorial Day

“This weekend, our 'unofficial' kick-off to summer, we need to take the time to recognize the American spirit and honor those who have served our country,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We ask that everyone take a moment to remember, reflect and honor the freedoms our soldiers have fought for and continue to protect every day.”

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.

“On Memorial Day, we need to remember those veterans who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “There are numerous ways to honor our veterans locally. You can visit the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel, which honors New Jersey veterans who died serving our country. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who made ‘service before self’ their top priority.”

Memorial Day is celebrated nationally at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Memorial Day is an important holiday for our nation and Monmouth County,” said Freeholder John P. Curley. “The Monmouth County Veterans Services Office serves those who have given so much - whether it's the solider returning home from war, retirees, families, and even future servicemen and women. Words cannot express our sincere thanks to the men and women in the military. Their courage and sacrifice clearly speak about a sense of duty and what makes our country so great.”

The Veteran's Services Office helps our military apply for service-connected compensation and pension benefits.

“This weekend, we should all do something to honor our veterans,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “Attend a parade or a memorial service for our veterans, or take the family to the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt. This museum has many exhibits, fighter aircraft and tanks. We thank all branches of the service for their dedication to protecting our great country and the freedoms we enjoy. That must never be taken for granted.”

For more information, go to www.visitmonmouth.com to find a list of events to celebrate Memorial Day in Monmouth County.

“Memorial Day is the time to remember our brave men and women currently serving in the military,” said Freeholder Gary J. Rich, Sr. “Their sacrifices protect our freedom, safety and quality of life. Everyone should take time this weekend to honor those who serve us.”

Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

By the late 1800s, communities began to observe Memorial Day and, after World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who had died in all of America’s wars.

The County’s Veterans Services Office provides referral services for a wide variety of counseling. The County encourages those who know of individuals, groups or businesses that provide services or benefits for veterans and their families to contact the County Veterans Service Office at 3000 Kozloski Rd., Freehold or call 732-683-8675.

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