North Jersey Veterans Honored At Ceremony

RAMSEY, NJ — Local veterans were honored for their sacrifice at a special ceremony Saturday, Veterans Day.

Three borough veterans died serving the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan: Cpl. Michael Jankiewicz, Staff Sgt. Eric Christian and Staff Sgt. Timothy McGill.

Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Charles E. Hosking Jr. was also remembered for his heroic sacrifice.

Hosking was 42 and an sergeant first class of the Army when he saved his company from a Viet Cong during the Vietnam War on March 21, 1967.

The Viet Cong prisoner grabbed a hand grenade from Hosking's belt, armed it and ran toward American soldiers. Hosking tackled him and held him down, using his and the prisoner's body to shield his friends from the grenade blast. He was posthumously promoted to master sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) attended the ceremony and spoke.

"There is no commitment more sacred than the one our nation has made to those who serve and have served in the military," Gottheimer said. "We must stand by you at every step of service."

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) stands with Mayor Deirdre Dillon (right) and Ramsey Veterans.

Photo: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) stands with Mayor Deirdre Dillon (right) and Ramsey veterans./Courtesy of Josh Gottheimer