Veterans honored at Montgomery ceremony; observance moved indoors due to weather

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP — Montgomery Township held its annual Veterans Day observance on Sunday, November 9, with veterans, first responders, scouts, educators, students, and residents gathering at the Municipal Building’s Committee Meeting Hall after the event was moved indoors due to inclement weather.

The ceremony is organized each year by the Montgomery Township Veterans Memorial Committee, which has designated the Sunday closest to Veterans Day as the community’s official day of observance. This year’s program was coordinated by Committee Chair Dimitra Bairaktaris and Vice Chair Dale Weingart.

Bairaktaris, a U.S. Army veteran (CPT, 1996–2006, Operation Iraqi Freedom), opened the ceremony and served as Master of Ceremonies.

“Good afternoon, welcome to Montgomery Township’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Thank you for joining us as we honor our Veterans on this special day,” she said, introducing the program and its focus on recognizing service and sacrifice.

As part of the ceremony, Bairaktaris invited veterans in attendance to stand and introduce themselves by sharing their full name, branch of service, rank, years of service, and operations or engagements in which they served, with scouts assisting by circulating microphones.

“Fellow Veterans, Happy Veterans Day,” she added. “Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for our community. You are heroes for dedicating your life to serving your country. You should be honored not just today but every day.”

The program began with the Presentation of Colors by Montgomery scouts led by Scout Leader Simon Clark, accompanied by members of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers from the United States Volunteers. Following the posting of the colors, LMS student Riona Uppal led the National Anthem.

An invocation was delivered by Minister Shelly L. Bell, chief chaplain for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Mayor Neena Singh offered remarks on behalf of the Township Committee and municipal staff, thanking veterans and their families and recognizing the work of the Veterans Memorial Committee in sustaining the annual observance.” As many of you know, my own father-in-law and brother-in-law served in the Indian Armed Forces. Because of their service, and the service of the American men and women in uniform, I stand here today as a naturalized citizen, with the honor of serving as Mayor of Montgomery. That is the legacy of service. That is the gift veterans give us. The ability to live in a nation where opportunity, democracy and hope are possible.”

“Thank you all for joining us as our community gathers once again to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Singh said, encouraging residents to reflect on the freedoms protected by those in military service. “So today, and every day, may we remember those who stood watch far from home so we could sleep peacefully in ours… And those who never returned, whose names we speak, whose memories we honor.”

Local students played a central role in the ceremony. Montgomery Lower Middle School students selected for the program read letters they wrote to veterans. Members of the LMS Choir — Gianna Gao, Mukthineni Madhumitha, Keshav Nath, Jaya Patel, and Riona Uppal —performed “America the Beautiful.” In recognition of their contributions, students received commemorative patches presented by a special guest, Retired U.S. Navy Captain Steve Halle. Over a 26-year career in the Navy’s Submarine Force, Captain Halle served aboard four submarines and deployed worldwide; his career culminated in command of the Navy’s fast-attack submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796), where he served as the Plank Owner Commanding Officer.

Mike Maloney, a former U.S. Marine who served in Marine Corps aviation from 1984 to 1987. Maloney was assigned to HMT-204 Helicopter Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, following training at Memphis Naval Air Station in Memphis, Tennessee; Tustin Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, California; and Aircrew Candidate School at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. He has been a member of the Montgomery Veterans Memorial Committee since its inception in 2012 and is an active member of the American Legion and Rolling Thunder gave a somber yet powerful speech. Speaking directly to the students, he urged them to understand their role in carrying forward the ideals safeguarded by those who served.

As a ceremonial tribute to fallen service members, Montgomery’s own Gregg Boyden, 1st Corporal and Donald Skaar, 1st Sergeant with the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers, conducted a three-volley salute, a rifle-based ceremonial honor to remember the fallen. The three-volley salute is distinct from a 21-gun salute, which is generally reserved for heads of state and certain high-ranking officials. “Taps” was then performed by Jim Bushong, closing the tribute in solemn reflection.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/Headlinenewsmontgomery.com