Towns throughout the area Monday honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in honor of Memorial Day.
Ocean City paid tribute to veterans and active military members and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during a somber ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Vietnam veteran Ralph Galati was the keynote speaker. The U.S. Air Force veteran was shot down in his F-4 Phantom jet in 1972, and was a prisoner of war for 406 days.
Galati returned home to his family on March 28, 1973, in “Operation Freedom.”
Despite the torture Galati endured himself, when he took the podium, he spoke about the horrors and bravery of others who served.
He said to remember and honor those who have fallen.
“Since the founding of our country, we have 1.35 million service members who have died in combat. For those my age, the Vietnam War is familiar,” Galati said.
Then he spoke about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which lists the many names of those who died for their country.
“We need to remember, behind the name is a family and neighborhood that needs to be recognized,” he said.
Despite thunderstorms and sporadic rain, Memorial Day parades and services were held Monday morning in all three Downbeach communities.
The day started at 9 a.m. amid the drenching rain, which warranted moving the service indoors to the rotunda at Ventnor City Hall. Veterans and members of the city’s Fire and Police departments stood in a circle around the tile compass rose medallion to hear brief but meaningful speeches about the sacrifices made not only by members of the military who never returned, but also the families that still bear the pain of the loss of their loved ones.
“Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel said. “Their families bear their loss every day.”
Kriebel introduced a new program in Ventnor being forwarded by Albert Dolceamore of Medford, who was born and raised in Ventnor. Dolceamore is starting a new program to honor the heroes of Ventnor who never returned from wars waged to protect freedom for people in America and around the world.
“Ventnor Remembers will raise awareness of those who died in conflicts,” Dolceamore said. “I am anxious to bring the program to the schools where the students can do the research and learn about our Ventnor heroes who gave their lives for their freedom.”
Dolceamore said he spoke with Beach Patrol Chief Stan Bergman about adding Ventnor’s war heroes’ names to the back of the surf boats that, under the power of the Beach Patrol, go out into the ocean to rescue wayward swimmers every day during the summer season.
He said funding for the project would be minimal but having their names emblazoned on the rescue boats would make a lasting impression on residents and visitors.
Commissioner Lance Landgraf became emotional during his commentary about veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“They all possessed the qualities of duty, courage and country. We thank them for their sacrifice. They came from all walks of life…and took on a heavy load to keep the home fires burning,” he said.
Greater Atlantic City VFW Post 215 Commander Anthony Ventura, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, provided comments about the brave and patriotic men and women who continue to serve their nation as members of the U.S. military.
After a 45-minute delay in the start of the Memorial Day Parade in Margate, the rain subsided and children on their bicycles joined city officials in the march up Ventnor Avenue to All Wars Memorial Park, where a program was held to honor America’s heroes.
In his last Memorial Day speech of his tenure as mayor, Longport's Nicholas Russo noted the “somberness of the day as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” which is a “priceless gift to all of us.”
But it is also a festive day as residents and visitors welcome the start of summer fun, “which would not be possible but for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” he said.
U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Phillip Fong said he was so impressed with his weeklong stay in Longport last year, that he started a new “mission,” Operation Healing Forces, to assist his fellow veterans.
The program replicates the Wounded Warrior Week vacation stay for other members of the military who are getting back on their feet after being injured or overcoming obstacles experienced while serving their country. The program also provides them with other services needed when returning home.
“As we pause to honor the fallen, let us recommit ourselves to supporting those who have returned home with visible and invisible wounds. Let us honor their sacrifice not only with words but with actions, by ensuring they receive the care, respect and opportunity they all deserve,” Fong said.
