On Friday, Nov. 6 at noon, Harvey Cedars will hold its third annual “Harvey Cedars Honors Our Veterans” event at the High Point Firehouse.
Mayor John Imperiale said the event will feature memorabilia from local veterans and family members. The meeting room of the firehouse will be filled with photos, ribbons, medals, flags, letters and more.
“We have already gotten in some really beautiful and touching articles,” said Imperiale. “Our Borough Activity Committee is hard at work gathering and describing all of the submissions we have received, and we hope and expect that more of our residents will contribute pieces about themselves, or their family members that are veterans.”
Imperiale said the first two events were held at Sunset Park, but this year it was moved to the firehouse in order to showcase the veterans’ memorabilia.
“It will also be nice to not worry about the weather again,” he said. “We got away with two Novembers in Sunset Park, so it will be great to be indoors this year.”
Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, who oversees the county’s Veterans Service Bureau, will be the keynote speaker. The Chair of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, Frank Sadeghi, will give opening remarks. As in the past, a Harvey Cedars veteran will speak on behalf of the borough’s veterans and their families.
“I am thrilled that Gordon Martin has agreed to speak this year,” said Imperiale. “Chaplain Wes Smith will once again give the invocation, and Harvey Cedars resident Fred Bercari will again close the program by leading everyone in singing ‘God Bless America.’”
The mayor said many other dignitaries have already confirmed their attendance, including Veteran Affairs Director Vincent Camporeale and County Commissioners Jennifer Bacchioni, Sam Ellenbogen and Ray Gormley.
“A major benefit of this event each year has been the opportunity for our veterans, their families, and all of our residents to meet personally with officials who can answer their questions and help them with their needs,” said Imperiale. “Public works will be setting up a barbecue grill again this year to provide frankfurters and snacks for all. The commissioners and other guests stay afterwards every year, making it a great opportunity for our veterans and residents to meet with them personally for anything at all. The socializing and networking is really valuable.”
