National Moment of Remembrance - Memorial Day -- 31 May 2004.

Each Memorial Day weekend, we honor and pay homage to the sacrifices made by our nation’s patriots; the brave young Americans who brought their courage and devotion to a difficult fight, liberating oppressed nations, and providing freedom and a better way of life. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have served and fought on many fronts, in many theaters, and thousands have paid the ultimate price. Then and now, military men and women answer a great calling and live by principles that would have them sacrifice their lives for the hope and promise of a peaceful, secure future for others. Today in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the Global War on Terrorism, our men and women in uniform fight an enemy alongside our coalition allies; laying down their lives while protecting Americans at home and providing a better life for people they’ve never met or known. As we pay tribute to America’s fallen warriors this Memorial Day, and in early June when we recognize the 60th anniversary of the Allied D-Day landings in Normandy, you and your families are encouraged to reflect on those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of democracy, freedom, and liberty. Take the time, in between barbecues and outings, to remember and thank those brave souls who paved the way for the democratic life we so cherish today. Stop and recognize the devotion to duty of veterans and all those who continue to serve our great nation with the observance of a Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony and Monument Dedication scheduled at the BG Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The 2004 Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, the 29th of May at 11 a.m. at the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover Township. The parade of New Jersey Veterans Organizations will pass in review at 10:30 a.m.

At the conclusion of the Memorial Day activities, a special ceremony will be conducted to dedicate the latest addition to the Memorial Walkway, a beautiful monument from the National Guard and the Enlisted Associations of New Jersey. The monument is dedicated to those brave men and women who have placed their lives on the line to defend our State and Nation’s honor and freedom.

Lafayette Elementary School remembers the Veterans.

On May 21, 2004, Colonel (Ret) Emil H. Philibosian, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, accepted a gift donation of $1,500 for the residents of the Paramus Veterans Home from the Lafayette Elementary School in Wayne, New Jersey, as part of the school’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Thank you so much!

Belmar announces “Operation: Thank You.”

The Borough of Belmar has kicked off a summer-long Operation: Thank You to express the community’s gratitude for the sacrifices being made by the members of our active military and their families. Operation: Thank You will include free admission to Belmar’s beaches this summer for active members of our military, including activated National Guard, Reservists, and their families.

Sun National Bank joins the Freedom Loan Program.

The Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce that Sun National Bank has joined the list of financial institutions participating in New Jersey’s Freedom Loan program. Contact the Sun National Bank at 1-800-691-7701.

TONIGHT – Armed Forces Tribute Night sponsored by the Newark Bears.

Minor league baseball team, the Newark Bears, will honor the Armed Forces of the United States tonight at Essex County’s new Riverfront Stadium. The Bears will celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces. Gates Open at 6:05 p.m. and the game between the Bears and Atlantic City Surf will begin at 7:05 p.m. Admission is $8 with Military ID – families are included. For directions or additional information visit www.newarkbears.com.

Veterans Haven cools down.

The 2004 State Commander Project for the Sons of the American Legion was to raise enough funds to purchase window air conditioners for the residents of Veterans Haven. Commander Kent Hehl accomplished his goal when on 22 May he delivered sixty (60) 8,000 BTU air conditioners. On behalf of the residents, Bob Durante, Superintendent at Veterans Haven, accepted the donation, which was valued at $12,000. Following the delivery of the air conditioners, representatives from the Sons of American Legion joined the residents for a picnic.

Challenge Program will hold a Car Wash tomorrow - Saturday, 29 May.

It’s going to be a great weekend to kick off the summer. Why not kick it off in a freshly washed car? This Saturday, 29 May 2004, there will be a Car Wash sponsored by the cadets of the New Jersey National Guard’s ChalleNGe Youth Program. The car wash will take place at the Burger King on the corner of Route 38 and Hanover Road, Pemberton, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge for the car wash. The Student Council of Class #20 will be on hand to accept donations, which will benefit the Cadets of Class #20. Take a drive over and help out the kids in your program.

The National Guard Association of NJ (NGANJ) and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of New Jersey (EANGNJ) hosted Congressional Staffers’ dinner.

On Wednesday, 26 May 2004, the NGANG and EANGNJ hosted a dinner for the Congressional Staffers who arrived earlier in the day for a three-day visit to various military installations in the state. The event included remarks by The Adjutant General, BG Glenn K. Rieth, COL Michael Moore, NGANJ President, and SGM Len Mayersohn, President of the EANGNJ. Legislative Committee members from each Association supported this great opportunity to address the current and future issues regarding our soldiers, airmen, and Department leadership.

The Ironhorse Cavalry Motorcycle Riding Club joins the 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery for a Family Readiness Group Fund Raiser.

A motorcycle “Poker Run” is scheduled as a Family Support fund raising event on 11 July 2004, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. at the Riverdale Armory, 107 Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ. Registration fee is $20 per rider, $10 per passenger, and $15 for non-riding personnel. Prizes will be awarded for the Top Two Hands, Oldest/Youngest Biker, Best Bike, Door Prizes, Food, Drinks, and Amusements. Point of contact for the event is 1SG Norman Zubick, 973-631-6280, or email Ironhorse_cavalry@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.ironhorsecavalry.com.

Peapack-Gladstone Bank offers Freedom Loans.

Freedom Loans are now available at the Peapack-Gladstone Bank. They are the latest financial institution to join the list of participants in the Freedom Loan Program. Call the Peapack-Gladstone Bank at 908-719-BANK.

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Education Center’s upcoming event schedule.

For more information about any of these events, please call the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation office at (732) 335-0033.

31 May - 11 a.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony – As part of this ceremony, the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial awards two $2,500 college scholarships to graduating New Jersey seniors, as well as inducting veterans into the “In Memory” Program, which honors those who served in Vietnam and returned home only to die as a result of their tour, but whose names are not on the Memorial.

12 June - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Restored Military Vehicle Display - Hands-on display of a wide variety of restored military vehicles from the mid-twentieth century (Raindate: June 19th)

19 June- 1 p.m.
Hey God – Are you really up there?

Author lecture presentation by Vietnam Veteran, Malcom Perkins

Veterans to be honored at upcoming Medal Ceremonies.

The following ceremonies have been scheduled to honor our State’s veterans.

31 May - 11 a.m.
Distinguished Service Medal
Township of East Orange

15 June - 11 am & 1 pm
Distinguished & Meritorious Service Medals (am)
Korean War Commemorative Medal (pm)

National Guard Training Center
Bldg 35, Sea Girt, NJ

30 June - 11 am & 1 pm
Distinguished & Meritorious Service Medals (am)
Vietnam Service Medal (pm)

Essex County Elks & VFW
475 Main St., Orange, NJ

NJN Public Television & Radio will air the Thunderbolts of Millville.

NJN Public Television and Radio will air the Thunderbolts of Millville on Sunday, 6 June 2004, at 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, 8 June 2004 at 6:30 p.m. From 1942 to 1945, the Millville Army Air Field trained P-47 pilots, teaching them to fly and attack with their aircraft. The Millville Airport was dedicated “America’s First Defense Airport” on August 2, 1941. In January 1943, the Millville Army Air Field opened as a gunnery school for fighter pilots. Gunnery training began with Curtiss P-40F Warhawk aircraft, but after a few weeks, the P-40s were gone, and the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt ruled the skies over Cumberland County. During its three-year existence, more than 10,000 men and women served there with 1,500 pilots receiving advanced fighter training. Several pilots, support staff, and Millville residents are interviewed in the documentary.

NJ Army National Guard attended Annual Armor Conference.

The NJ Army National Guard attended the annual Armor Conference at Fort Knox, Kentucky from 15-20 May 2004. Representatives from Joint Force HQ-NJ, 254th Regiment (Sea Girt), 2-102nd Armor (Port Murray), 5-117 Cavalry (Vineland) attended this event, which is organized as an update for the Armor community on tactics, equipment, and policy. Representatives from all components conducted briefings with the focus on operations in Iraq. A briefing was conducted on Armor operations during the battle for Baghdad by the 3rd Infantry Division, and the capture of Saddam Hussein by elements of Special Forces and the 4th Infantry Division. Other topics covered during the conference included Urban Gunnery Training; a Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) brief by the Command Sergeant Major on the new Battle Dress Uniform (BDU); and information on the structure and training for the new Units of Action slated to replace maneuver brigades throughout the Army.

Armory Happenings – Check to see what’s happening at an Armory near you.

28-29 May: Carnival - Teaneck Armory
20 June: Sports Card & Comic Show - Bordentown Armory

Today in History…

Today is Friday, 28 May 2004 and the 149th day of the year. There are 218 days left in the year. On this day…

* 1774 – The first Continental Congress convened in Virginia

* 1830 – The U. S. Congress authorized the removal of Indians from all states to western prairie.

* 1892 – The Sierra Club was organized in San Francisco, California.

* 1937 - U.S. President Roosevelt pushed a button in Washington, DC, signaling that vehicular traffic could cross the newly opened Golden Gate Bridge in California.

* 1946 – The first night game was held at Yankee Stadium (Senators 2, Yankees 1).

* 1964 – Palestine National Congress forms the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) in Jerusalem.

* 1971 – USSR’s Mars 3 becomes the first spacecraft to soft land on Mars.

* 1987 – The Monitor, Civil War warship, is discovered by a deep-sea robot.

A few more interesting facts about New Jersey –

* New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries.

* New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the “Diner Capital of the World.”

* New Jersey rocks! In 1940, the famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah.

* New Jersey had the first Medical Center (Jersey City).

* New Jersey built the first tunnel under a river (the Hudson) – the Holland Tunnel.

101 Critical Days of Summer begin.

The 101 Critical Days of Summer begin on 28 May and run through 6 September. Remember this year’s summer safety campaign slogan, “This summer play it SMART.” Remember to drive defensively, wear seatbelts, and adjust your following distance and speed to match the road and traffic conditions. Don’t drink and drive. These are critical steps in ensuring the safety of you and your families while on the road. No one is immune to mishaps. We are all susceptible whether on the job, at home, or while traveling. Through careful planning, applying effective risk management, and staying attuned to our environment we can reduce the potential for a mishap. Play it SMART this summer. Make this summer one that is fun and safe!

Family Appreciation Day –

Don’t forget to mark 21 August 2004 on your calendars – It’s Family Appreciation Day for all members of the New Jersey National Guard, employees of the Department of Military & Veterans, and their families. A day of fun in the sun is planned at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt.

Pancake Breakfast to benefit the troops.

A Pancake Breakfast will be held at the American Legion Post 414, Berwyn Place, Lawrenceville, on 6 June 04 from 7:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. All proceeds from the breakfast will be donated to the Family Assistance Program for those families of OUR SOLDIERS participating in Enduring/Iraqi Freedom Mobilizations. Tickets are $6. For further information, call 609-989-9162 or 609-771-4143. Come out and support our troops and their families by supporting this event.

Volunteer to help at a Family Readiness Center.

To reach any NJ National Guard Family Assistance Center –

Call toll free 888-859-0352