NJ Is 49th State For Teen Honoring Veterans, With Planned Stop In Cinnaminson

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — A California teen who has paid his respect to veterans at cemeteries in 48 different states will make his second-to-last stop in Burlington County, commissioners said.

Veteran's Day is observed November 11, and officials shared information about several events and programs going on this week.

Teen's journey across America to honor veterans

17-year-old Preston Sharp of Redding, Calif. has laid more than 180,000 flowers and flags on veterans' graves across the nation, commissioners said. Sharp will participate in a ceremony to honor veterans at Lakeview Memorial Park on November 9.

Volunteers are needed to help Sharp, and those interested are asked to gather at Lakeview (1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson) at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

“Properly honoring our nation’s veterans is a responsibility we all should share and we’re incredibly grateful that Preston selected our county to visit and perform this incredible service,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to Military and Veterans Services. “We want to thank Preston and encourage those who are available to join him on November 9 and honor and remember our veterans with this small service.”

In a news release, State Senator Troy Singleton (D-NJ-7) also praised Preston for performing this service.

“Preston Sharp reminds us that we all have a sacred duty to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed for our nation,” said Singleton, whose office has helped recruit volunteers. “We believe Preston’s service can inspire others to perform similar acts of patriotism and respect for veterans and we hope as many people as possible will join him and honor the heroes at rest in Lakeview.”

Burlington County Medal Ceremony

The county will honor 30 local veterans from the community with the Burlington County Military Service Medal during the annual Veterans Medal Ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of the Burlington County Library in Westampton.

“Burlington County is proud to recognize the men and woman who have answered the call to defend our nation,” said Eckel. “These medals are one way for our County to thank our veterans for all they have done and sacrificed. We want them all to know their service will not be forgotten and our County is here to assist them if needed.”

Any veteran living in the county with an honorable discharge is eligible for the decoration, along with deceased veterans who lived in Burlington Count.

Burlington County has awarded thousands of Military Service medals to county veterans since the program launched in 2002, commissioners said.

Medal registration forms are available at the Burlington County Military and Veterans Services office and can be obtained by calling 609-265-5008. The form can also be completed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/547/Veterans-Services .

The medal allows the County to honor veterans’ military service. By registering, it also helps the Burlington County Office of Military and Veteran Services keep veterans and their families informed about programs and services available to them.

So far this year, the Military and Veterans Services office has assisted Burlington County veterans obtain close to $12 million in compensation and benefits, the county said.

Operation Green Light for Veterans

Burlington County residents may also honor veterans from their homes and workplaces by participating in Operation Greenlight, a collaborative initiative started by the National Association of Counties.

From November 7-13, county residents are encouraged to display green lights or change at least one light bulb inside or outside their house to a green bulb to show support for military veterans and their families.
Burlington County plans to participate by displaying green lights at the Burlington County Human Services Building in Westampton, and the Commissioners say they hope residents will share their participation on social media and use the hashtag #BurlcoOperationGreenLight.

“We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered and that all of Burlington County is grateful for their sacrifices,” Eckel said. “This is a simple way for us to show support and encourage veterans to avail themselves of the resources we have available for them.”