NJVVMF's 23rd Annual Salute to Patriotism Gala

On Thursday, April 4, 2019, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation’s Salute to Patriotism Gala will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s groundbreaking, and honor the contributions of UTCA (Utility & Transportation Contractors Association) and LIUNA Heavy and General Laborers Construction Local 472 whose contributions made the site possible.

“We are proud to honor UTCA and LIUNA Local 472, two groups that were instrumental in the construction of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial,” says Executive Director Sarah Taggart. “Since 1988, these groups have generously supported our mission and their commitment continues to this day. On the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s groundbreaking, it is important to remember and thank the contributors who made our one-of-a-kind site a reality.”

Over the past twenty years since the Memorial was opened to the public, hundreds of thousands of visitors have made the trip to the Memorial and toured the Museum, including school groups who use the facilities and staff expertise to enhance their history and social studies curriculum. Thousands of students, teachers and community groups have also enjoyed rich, interactive experiences with the NJVVMF’s Vietnam Veteran volunteers, and the number of visitors continues to increase each year.

Also increasing -- donations. Since opening to the public, the generation of New Jersey’s Vietnam Veterans have matured. They have donated artifacts, kept as mementos of their tours of duty, and NJVVMF staff anticipate an influx of donations over the next ten years, legacies that need to be preserved and shared.

“The UTCA and General Construction Laborers’ Local 472 have been significant supporters of the Memorial since the beginning of the original construction going back to 1988,” said Trustee and original Memorial Commission member Louis Vlahakes. “Our legacy is a world-class facility that memorializes the sacrifice of a generation and clearly communicates the story of one of the most significant periods in American history.”

Thanks to the contributions of individuals and organizations like those being honored at this year’s gala, the NJVVMF is confident that the publicly supported organization will continue to be able to fulfill its mission for generations to come.

Since 1995, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial has provided a place to remember and honor the 1,563 New Jerseyans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Each year the Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors and guests to dozens of ceremonies, educational and outreach programs. The adjacent Vietnam Era Museum is the only museum of its kind in the country.

The Salute to Patriotism Gala will be held Thursday, April 4th, with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale, NJ.

The Gala will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent auction and live music by the Jeff Brown Trio. Tickets are $225 for individuals and $450 for couples. Dress is business attire.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including an exclusive Event Sponsorship and opportunities to underwrite a veteran and guest to attend the event. To purchase tickets, call 732-335-0033 or visit the Gala registration page.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifice, courage and valor of Vietnam Veterans and encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects, which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.

The Foundation operates and manages the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the adjacent Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center located at 1 Memorial Lane off Exit 116 (PNC Bank Arts Center) in Holmdel, NJ. The Memorial honors all those who served our country and state during the Vietnam War, especially the 1,563 New Jerseyans who did not return home. It is a powerful and fitting tribute to their sacrifice. The Memorial is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is the first and only educational center and museum of its kind in the United States. Dedicated in September 1998, the Museum is devoted solely to gaining an understanding of the conflict in Southeast Asia and the surrounding political strife in America.

For hours and directions, visit njvvmf.org.