On Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14, nine Camden County veterans were honored in a medal ceremony on the Battleship New Jersey, where they were recognized for their service.
Ted Gallagher, director of the Camden County Veterans Affairs, began the event by acknowledging the history of Flag Day. Though the United States flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, he noted that it wasn’t until 1949 that the day was officially observed as the national holiday “Flag Day.” It wasn’t until 1960 that the last two stars were added for Alaska and Hawaii, creating the flag we know today.
“It’s been around for many, many years,” Gallagher said. “It’s an icon, something we all recognize.”
Camden County Commissioner, Liaison to Veteran Affairs and Gold Star mother Melinda Kane served as the keynote speaker.
“This ceremony is a recognition of the patriotism, courage and sacrifices that our recipients have made and we are forever grateful to our military service,” Kane said.
Kane shared her own history with family serving in the military, from her father to her husband to her son, Jeremy Kane, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and sacrificed his life to save his fellow Marines.
“All three men and the medal recipients here today raised their hands and vowed to defend our nation, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives,” Kane said.
The four possible medals that recipients could receive included the Camden County Military Service Medal (CCM), the Camden County Korean War Service Medal, the Camden County Vietnam Service Medal (CCVM) or the Camden County War on Terrorism Medal (CCWOT).
Kane along with fellow Camden Commissioner Virginia Betteridge helped distribute the medals to the following recipients:
- James Brophy Jr., Atco. Army, SP4: CCM, CCVM
- Walter Brown, Camden. Navy, Field Artillery: CCM, CCVM
- Bernard Carlin, Pennsauken. Navy, Machinist’s Mate Second Class: CCM, CCVM
- Richard Faunce, Pennsauken. Navy, Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulic) Petty Officer 3rd Class: CCM, CCVM
- James Frank, Jr., Cherry Hill. Army, Lt. Col: CCM
- Glenn George, Haddonfield. Navy, Lieutenant: CCM
- Lester Richards, Bellmawr. Airforce, Sergeant: CCM, CCVM
- James Whiteside, Runnemeade. Navy, FN: CCVM
- James Young, Cherry Hill. Airforce, Master Sergeant: CCM, CCWOT
George, a longtime resident of Haddonfield, began his service during the Cold War, from June 6, 1986 to June 30, 1991, to help serve his country as a nuclear engineer where he conducted and administered research and developed and designed projects on 80 nuclear reactors and power plants
“I would certainly recommend service in the Navy or other armed forces as a way for young people to learn a trade and gain responsibility at a really young age,” George said.
Young, of Cherry Hill, had wanted to join the military since high school and served in the Air Force where he did logistics for air transportation. He served for 20 years and one month, from April 1, 1998 to April 30, 2018.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in service,” Young said. “I loved the mission, I loved taking care of the mission, I love serving my country and I’m happy to give back to support our nation.”
With regards to Flag Day, Young noted the flag is intrinsic to the core of our nation.
“It is the symbolism of who we are, so to keep that tradition going is imperative,” he said.
To nominate a service member to receive a medal, visit https://www.camdencounty.com/service/veterans-affairs/application-for-medal/ for details.
