Remembrance at Vietnam Veterans' Memorial

Solemn respects were given to veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel, on May 30.

A sea of people clad in patriotic red, white, and blue lined the Memorial. They joined men and women in uniform as well veterans from Rolling Thunder in their distinctive emblazoned leather vests around the iconic sculpture and surrounding granite panels to remember and bear witness.

Colonel Bertrand A. Ges, Commander of the 72nd Field Artillery Brigade at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst gave the keynote address. Ges drew a connection of honorable service through all of the wars that America has engaged up to and including honoring the service members who are currently in battle in Iraq and Afganistan, and posted across the globe.

Two students were awarded scholarships by the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Scholarship committee. Jordyn Tumas of Wayside, NJ and Allison Outwater of Wall Township each spoke of how their lives have been impacted and enriched by the service of their loved ones.

Various veterans' groups presented wreaths and VVA Chapter 200 had the honor of Retiring the Colors and closing the ceremony.