For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2015
Monmouth County remembers those who served
County offices will be closed Monday, in observance of Memorial Day
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend and reminds residents that while most County offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the national holiday, all County parks and golf courses will be open.
“Memorial Day is the time to remember our brave men and women currently serving in the military,” said Freeholder Director Gary J. Rich, Sr. “Their sacrifices protect our freedom, safety and quality of life and so I ask you to please take time this weekend to honor those who serve us.”
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.
“This Memorial Day, I ask you to remember those veterans who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “There are numerous ways to honor our veterans locally. You can visit the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel, which honors New Jersey veterans who died serving our country.”
Memorial Day is celebrated nationally at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“Memorial Day is an important holiday for our nation and Monmouth County,” said Freeholder John P. Curley. “The Monmouth County Veterans Services Office serves those who have given so much - whether it's the solider returning home from war, retirees, families, and even future servicemen and women.”
The Veteran's Services Office helps our military apply for service-connected compensation and pension benefits.
The County’s Veterans Services Office provides referral services for a wide variety of counseling. The County encourages those who know of individuals, groups or businesses that provide services or benefits for veterans and their families to contact the County Veterans Service Office at 3000 Kozloski Rd., Freehold or call 732-683-8675.
“This weekend especially, we should all do something to honor our veterans,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “Attend a parade or a memorial service for our veterans. Or, take the family to the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt with museum exhibits and fighter aircraft and tanks.”
The Freeholders also suggest that another way to honor those who served or are currently serving in the military is to attend a local Memorial Day parade. For more information, go to visitmonmouth.com to find a list of events to celebrate Memorial Day in Monmouth County.
“This summer kick-off weekend, we need to recognize the American spirit and ultimate public service by honoring those who have given their all in service to our country,” Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “We ask that everyone take a moment to remember, reflect and honor the freedoms American soldiers have fought for and continue to protect today.”
Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.
By the late 1800s, communities began to observe Memorial Day and, after World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who had died in all of America’s wars.
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