(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough of Fanwood held its annual Veterans Day Program Tuesday on a cold and windy afternoon in front of the Fanwood Memorial Library. A small crowd gathered along with members of the Fanwood Police and Fire Departments.

The event was sponsored by the American Legion Post 209. Army Veteran Joe McCourt hosted the event.

Army veteran Joe McCourt of American Legion Post 209, who hosted Fanwood’s Veterans Day Program, with Mayor Colleen Mahr and Councilwoman Gina Berry.

Earl Pavlik, a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, said Veterans Day is an opportunity for the Nation “to say with a united voice ‘your service matters. We remember your sacrifice and we honor the promise we made to you.’”

Earl Pavlik of the American Legion Post 209 Color Guard, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, gives remarks during Fanwood’s Veterans Day Program.

“The fighting spirit of service spans generations,” he said, in mentioning veterans who served during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Gulf War as well as the Post 9/11 generation wars in Afganistan and Iraq.

“Veterans Day is about recognizing their (veterans) choice to place country above self,” Pavlik said. “When you see a veteran, thank them, listen to them, and support the organizations like the American Legion and VFW.”

In her remarks, Mayor Colleen Mahr offered her “heartfelt thank you to all the veterans who are here today… From Fanwood to you we thank you for your service.”

Mayor Colleen Mahr gives remarks during Fanwood’s Veterans Day Program.

McCourt recognized the contribution of the 14 Fanwood veterans who gave their lives for the Nation and whose names are edged on the Fanwood Veterans Monument on the front lawn of the Fanwood Memorial Library. In recognition of their ultimate sacrifice, a wreath was placed next the monument by an American Legion Post 209 veteran.

Laying of a wreath in recognition of the 14 Fanwood Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation.

Rifle Salute by the American Legion Post 209 Color Guard.

American Legion Post 209 Color Guard.

Lt. Dan Kranz, Officer in Charge, and Fanwood Police Officers salute during the playing of the National Anthem

Fire Chief John Piccola and Fanwood firefighters salute during the playing of the National Anthem.

Attendees at Tuesday’s Fanwood Veterans Day Program.

United States and POW/MIA Flags.