Thank You For Your Service

Today is Veterans Day, a federal holiday in which we honor all of those who have served in the United States military during times of war and peace.

Originally known as Armistice Day when declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, it officially became Veterans Day in 1954. There will be no mail delivery today, Motor Vehicles offices and inspection stations are closed, all New Jersey state agencies will be closed and federal, state and local courts will not be in session.

While there may be some that are closed most schools are open today which has sparked a mini-controversy in recent years, especially in Toms River. That’s because the township hosts an annual parade which is sponsored by the Toms River Veterans Commission. While it pretty much takes the same route as the Halloween Parade did less than two weeks ago the turnout will pale in comparison.

Today’s parade starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Toms River Shopping Center at the intersection of Route 166 & Main Street and works it’s through the downtown area. Distinguished U.S. Army veteran John Dorrity, who served during Viet Nam will serve as the grand marshal. After the parade at around 11 a.m. a ceremony will be held outside Toms River Town Hall on Washington Street.

There are some who believe strongly that if schools were closed the turnout would be considerably larger. I am not among them. Sure the attendance will increase a bit but that’s not the reason to close schools as most holidays are viewed by the masses as simply a day off with the true meaning often lost. If schools were closed today the overwhelming majority of students and staff would find something to do and that something would likely not include attending the parade.

What should be done is that all schools should make sure today is used to honor the service of men and women and if possible work with local veterans groups and organizations. They might also consider sending students in certain grades to the parade each year so they get to experience it at least one time.

The Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals on St. Catherine Boulevard in Toms River and West Veterans Highway in Jackson are once again honoring Veteran’s Day with a patriotic flag display. With the help of local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts more than 5,000 American flags have been placed in the ground at each location to mark the number of U.S. lives lost in Afghanistan and Iraq. The flag display will remain until early December.

To all veterans, past and present. Thank you for your service!