West Orange Honors its Own

"It is an honor and a privilege to be here," said Master of Ceremonies Gary R. Englert, as he stood on the podium before the Municipal Building on Memorial Day.  The holiday was marked in West Orange by a solemn ceremony that recognized 156 local veterans who lost their lives and paid tribute to 18 combat veterans who were presented with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

Presented by the Glennon-Sayers Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 376, the Mayor's Office, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, the program was led by the West Orange Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs and the Memorial Day Observance Committee. This was the twelfth annual program of its kind.

After the Theatre Under the Stars Alumni Chorale sang "Seasons of Love," the Curtis-Wright Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol presented the colors. Deputy Mayor and Commander of VFW Post 376 Ralph Panciello led the Pledge of Allegiance. The audience -- hundreds strong -- stood as the West Orange High School Brass Quintet played the National Anthem and Monsignor Michael Kelly, headmaster of Seton Hall Prep and a former Army chaplain, led the invocation.

Mayor John F. McKeon noted that West Orange can claim the distinction of being "New Jersey's Most Decorated Community," as it has recognized 318 veterans since 1998. "We owe them," he said. "They gave all they had."

The honors were presented by Brigadier General (Ret) William J. Marshall, III of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Those who were able made their forward to the center of the podium. While the audience, which included members of the New Jersey Army Randger National Guard Rifle Squad, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the West Orange First Aid Squade, children and adults, watched Marshall, presented the veterans, or their descendants, the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

McKeon noted that there is a flag in front of the Municipal Building for each of the community's veterans. In addition, wreaths were dedicated on behalf of the Gold Star Mothers of West Orange. The Rifle Squad presented a rifle salute, the Brass Quintet played "Taps," Kelly gave the benediction, and the colors were retired. To the notes of "What I Did for Love," sung by the Alumni Chorale, the ceremony ended.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of a patriotic season that spans Flag Day on June 14th and Independence Day on July 4th. (This year's legal holiday is Monday, July 5th.) West Orange began the season by honoring its present citizens for past valor in the service of the nation.

2010 Award Recipients

James Blackstock -- US Army -- World War II ¨*

Richard C. Browne -- US Army -- World War II *

Francis J. Capron -- US Army -- Korean War ¹

Joseph Feliciano -- US Army -- Vietnam ²

Dominic R. Feula -- US Navy -- World War II *

George Foster -- US Marine Corps -- World War II

Albert C. Guadagno -- US Army -- World War II

Aaron M. Kaplan -- US Navy -- World War II *

Seymour Moskowitz -- US Army -- World War II

Newton Moss -- US Army -- World War II

James J. Quinn -- US Navy -- Korean War ¨* ¹

Miguel Santiago -- US Army -- Enduring Freedom

Edward Spencer -- US Army -- World War II

Joseph W. Stock -- US Navy -- World War II

David Trenk -- US Army -- World War II *

William R. Wagner -- US Marine Corps -- Enduring Freedom

Richard A. Wiegel -- US Army -- Korean War * ¹

Robert E. Zimmerman -- US Marine Corps -- Vietnam ¨²

* Denotes a Posthumous Award

¨ Award given with an Oak Leaf Cluster denoting the recipient received a combat decoration  equal in stature to, or greater than, the Purple Heart.

¹ Will also receive the NJ Korean War Service Medal

² Will also receive the NJ Vietnam Service Medal