At 11 a.m., as the bell tower rang out, WWII veteran Paul Endler started the annual ceremony to remember and honor American veterans at the front lawn of the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library. In front of a crowd of over 75 residents, including students representing all Roselle Park schools, Mr. Endler offered some words on the history and meaning of Veterans Day.
Paster Glenn Scheyhing opened and closed the ceremony with prayer while James Vigliotti led the crowd in renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America”. Speakers at the ceremony included state senator Tom Kean, Roselle Park mayor Joseph DeIorio in his final year presiding over the event, as well as readings by Roselle Park students from the high school (student council president Megan Bodtmann), the Middle School, and all the elementary schools.
As the crowd respectfully stood silently, the playing of “Taps” was heard in a moment of respect and honor.
After the ceremony, some veterans spoke on the meaning of Veterans Day.
“I hope that every Veterans Day turns out like this one,” Mr. James Vigliotti stated, referring to the turnout. Robert Gallo, a Kamikaze survivor and veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, touched upon the meaning of Veterans Day to those who served, “It means everything to me.”
Videos of all veterans on hand can be viewed below: