MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
NEWS RELEASE

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Wayne Woolley, Public Affairs Specialist, 609-530-6942/

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       Six Burlington County residents who volunteer at the Battleship New Jersey Museum were among 38 World War II veterans honored on April 21 during a National Volunteer Week ceremony on the fantail of the historic war ship.

 

       The veterans – who often put in 20 hours a week or more, keeping the historic ship in top shape -- received commemorative coins that were minted for the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Trenton in November.

 

       Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, the state adjutant general, presented the coins on behalf of Gov. Jon Corzine.

 

       He told the veterans they were being honored for heroism for securing victory in a war that had to be won or the American way of life lost.

 

       “I had the opportunity to grow up in an America that you fought for, that you defended, an America that allowed me and my family to live the American dream, that allows my children to live the American dream,” Rieth said. You truly are America's greatest generation there is no question about it.”

 

       But the veterans were being honored for their commitment to preserving the legacy of the decorated warship that has also been credited with helping win World War II.

 

       “You maintain this battleship to the Navy standard and allow folks from around the country to enjoy this national treasure,” Rieth said. “You are all American patriots and you continue to serve this state and nation by what you do on this battleship.”

 

       More than 500,000 volunteer hours have been logged on the USS New Jersey since it was first docked in Camden in 2000 and turned into a museum.