By: Najla Alexander
This week is about remembering our Veterans, Soldiers, Sailors, and fallen loved ones on Veterans’ Day. As someone who was born on Veterans’ Day as well as having a father who served, this touches close to my heart because I know the true meaning of this day: honoring those here and those who have fallen serving this country.
To say the least, this day was cold and gray, with the sun barely sticking out of the clouds, deterring anyone from going out that day. Not this crowd, though, despite how face-numbing the cold was early in the morning, it was nothing to honor loved ones on this day.
“On a day like this, I want to share what Veterans Day truly means…it is an opportunity for a grateful nation to recognize and celebrate every single individual who has worn a uniform in the United States Armed Forces,” a local Veteran emphasized.
In honor of this year’s Services, Carteret held its annual celebration presented by the Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Borough Council, and The Veterans Alliance, which took place at Carteret Waterfront Park on Tuesday, November 11th at 11 a.m.
“This is our great nation, I thank you for remembering the true cost of freedom, and my brothers & sisters in arms who are veterans all over the world, I wish you a Happy Veterans’ Day and a sincere thank you,” he continued.
Following introductions along with the salution of the flag as well pledge of allegiance, you think a solemn silence would have taken over the crowd, but it didn’t; instead, it was filled with laughter and smiles on faces despite tears streaming down them — because not only were they remembering loved ones who served and were lost, but they were also celebrating life, as if you could feel them right beside us.
“In light of the cold weather, thank you. Thank you, American Veterans. It is you who brings civil liberty, justice, and will protect our home and abroad,” Mayor Daniel J. Reiman said.
Such an amazing way to celebrate Veterans’ Day, ending with a special gun salute and trumpet horn honoring all those who served and all that it represents for this country.
We at RLS Metro Media want to thank those who have fallen and are still serving our country today. We will never forget you in our hearts!