The Shamong Township Committee and area residents honored past and current servicemen and women on Veterans Day in a ceremony that also cited local Scout troops for their service to the community.
The event at Pinelands Memorial Park opened with a welcoming introduction from Mayor Tim Gimbel, followed by Indian Mills Troop 47, who honored the vets by presenting and raising the flag.
An opening prayer was recited by Dave Taylor of Crossroads Church of Shamong.
“We gather here today to remember those men and women who responded to that call by serving our country,” Taylor said “May we be reminded by the lives of those who have served, with great blessing comes great responsibility,”
Gimbel said that in addition to honoring veterans who serve or have served in the military, the township also acknowledges the efforts of Scout troops who give back to the community.
The veterans ceremony included placement of a memorial wreath by newly elected committee member Christopher Zehnder and also acknowledged the donation of a Bronze Award project bench from Girl Scout Troop 24713 for placement at Pinelands Memorial Park. The troop’s representatives were Hope Durham and Sophie Neimann.
In his closing remarks, Gimbel also recognized members of the Shamong community and its staff, along with the Indian Mills volunteer fire department, EMS and the township’s Emergency Management. He also addressed the importance of Veterans Day.
“We need to remember them [veterans], not only one day a year, but 365 days a year,” Gimbel said
