(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough held its annual Veterans Day ceremony on a beautiful sunny Wednesday afternoon in front of the Fanwood Memorial Library on Forest Road. A small crowd, including a number of veterans, gathered along with members of the Fanwood Fire Department and Fanwood Police Department.

The event was sponsored by the American Legion Post 209 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10122. U.S. Army veteran Joe McCourt served as Master of Ceremonies.

U.S Army Veteran and Master of Ceremonies Joe McCourt.

American Legion Post 209 Commander and U.S. Army veteran Dennis Mayer said this year’s Veterans Day carries a special weight as Fanwood and the Nation are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

American Legion Post 209 Commander Dennis Mayer.

He said the Nation has survived since 1776 ‘because ordinary citizens have stepped forward and become extraordinary defenders of freedom.”

“Every era has produced local heroes who have put the country before themselves,” Mayer said. “We know that honoring our veterans isn’t just about speeches and November 11th, or lighting the municipal buildings green. It’s about making sure no veteran is left behind when they come home. It’s about checking in on our veterans, supporting military families and teaching the next generation” about the importance of that service.

Mayor Colleen Mahr said Veterans Day is about honor and gratitude. “Veterans Day is about observance and reflections, reflections of pride and patriotism that all Americans have in honoring those who put on the uniform to protect us,” Mayor Mahr said.

Mayor Colleen Mahr gives a few remarks as Councilwoman Patricia Walsh and Councilwoman Gina Berry look on.

McCourt said Veterans Day is an emotional day for those who have served. McCourt recalled “the wonderful camaraderie, the tremendous sense of team work, and the singularity of purpose.”

He said today there are only 30,000 remaining World War II veterans of the 16 million who served the Nation. “We truly owe them a debt of gratitude,” McCourt said, noting that “freedom is not free.”

A Memorial Wreath was presented by a veteran from American Legion Post 209 and placed in front of the Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the Fanwood Library.

Laying of the wreath by American Legion 209.

The ceremony closed with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps.

American Legion Post 209 Color Guard.
Veterans attend a reception after the program at the Fanwood Memorial Library.
Fanwood Police salute during the playing of the National Anthem.
Fanwood Fire Department.
5 Rev. Chaz Hutchison, pastor of Scotch Plains Baptist Church, gives the innovation.
Joan Skubish of the Fanwood Historical Preservation Commission and Library Director Kelly Yim.
Veteran and Master of Ceremonies Joe McCourt begins the program as Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, and Councilwoman Gina Berry look on.
Rifle salute by America Legion Post 209 Color Guard.
The crowd looks on during Fanwood’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
Veterans salute during the playing of the National Anthem.
Veterans attend a reception after the program at the Fanwood Memorial Library.