|
BRICK ROTC HELPS GIVE SOLEMN TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | Photo by Jo Ann La Russo Members of the Brick Junior ROTC unit 822 were on hand for last week's Veteran's Day Parade in Toms River, doing their part to honor the sacrifices of veterans everywhere. |
|
Anthony Mazzaro, 18, led his ROTC unit from Brick High School in last week's Veteran's Day parade to pay tribute to those who served. He said he will follow in their footsteps when he joins the military after his June graduation.
"I plan to join the Air Force," said Mazzaro, commander of Junior ROTC unit 822, as he stood at attention with fellow ROTC members at the Toms River Veteran's Day Parade.
Mazzaro, along with Josh Stephenson, 18, Jay Aronow, 17, and Tom Seigfried, 15, marched proudly for our flag, they said.
"It is a great tribute to thank the men and women that fought for our freedom," Mazzaro said. "It is an honor to be here."
The theme of the Ocean County Veteran's Day Parade was "Thank a Vet," said parade Chairman Conrad Lambruschini, of the Toms River Township Veteran's Commission. The Commission sponsored the annual observance. The holiday originally commemorated the end of World War I, and later was expanded to honor the service of all veterans.
"Today, our men and women soldiers are serving both abroad and at home to protect our citizens as generations of our military did before them," said Lambruschini. "We are here to thank them."
Clear, sunny skies greeted parade goers at the event. Hundreds of people lined Main and Washington streets, holding flags in the somber salute to our veteran's and fighting armed forces.
The parade was opened with a contingent of vehicles from the New Jersey National Guard, which sent the crowd cheering wildly. Marchers from veteran, civic and school and scout groups participated in the parade.
"We all look forward to this wonderful tribute
to our veteran's," said American Legion Auxiliary 129 member, Patricia Cozine.
Grand Marshals placed a wreath in front of the Veteran's Memorial at town hall while the American Legion Post 129 gave a rifle salute. The solemn moment was followed by the playing of 'Taps' by Ryan Mayer and Theresa Natoli, students local high school.
"This is a wonderful tribute and we're so glad to be here to honor the men and women who gave so much," said parade watchers, Gordon and Muriel Robinson, of Whiting,
"Love your freedom. Thank a vet," Toms River Mayor Paul Brush told the crowd, and support our troop's safe return home."
| 
)