Harrison Township formally recognized and thanked veterans at its ceremony at the William Wilt Soccer Complex.
By KRYSTAL NURSE
The Sun
Harrison Township took a moment on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 11, to honor those who served in the armed forces. Three wreaths were laid by Mayor Louis Manzo, Committeewoman Julie DeLaurentis and SPC4 Dennis Clowney, U.S. Army, at the township’s Veterans Memorial.
“[Veterans Day] means recognizing and remembering all of those who served,” said Clowney. “They raised a right hand and took an oath of allegiance to our nation to defend our country against all foes.”
This year also marks 100 years since the Armistice was signed by the Allies and Germany to formally end World War I. In several countries and the U.S. it is known as Veterans Day.
“It was considered the war to end all wars in 1918, and think about that,” said Manzo. “We continuously have people stepping up to fight for us and we honor them no matter what. Recognizing people on that wall is so important.”
At the ceremony, as the wreaths were laid in front of the crests of the armed forces and in front of PFC. William Wilt’s plaque, many in attendance were able to read the brick pavers, which were purchased by loved ones, honoring past and present veterans.
The park’s namesake served in the Marine Corps. and was killed in action in Korea on Sept. 11, 1951.
“William Wilt gave his life almost 70 years ago and this monument stands as a testament to him and all other branches of government,” said Manzo following the ceremony. “It’s a place to come on Veterans Day and it’s a really great community we have.”
During the ceremony, liaison to the Veterans Affair Guiseppe “Joe” Chila remarked how wonderful it was for American Legion Post 452, township representatives and the community to come together to create and install the brick pavers in the memorial.
“It started with Dennis Clowney with him being a veteran himself,” said Manzo. “He had seen it in other places where you can dedicate a paver to someone at a veterans memorial site, and so periodically we started the process of putting it out to the community for X amount of dollars.”
Each paver lists the rank, branch of service and name of the veteran. Harrison Township Police Capt. Brian Bartholomew, retired Mantua Township Police Chief Rodney Sawyer and others have bricks in the memorial.
As for the holiday itself, while some may have it off from school or work, Clowney added everyone should remember and honor those who served for the sacrifices they made in America and around the globe.
“It’s just mainly thank a veteran today, and Memorial Day is to remember those who have since made the ultimate sacrifice and passed,” said Clowney.
