Remembering Ocean County's Veterans

It would be hard to find anything positive about our involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East over the last several years with one exception….and that is the new found respect many have for those who serve in the military. With the exception of Operation Desert Storm in the early 90’s we had experienced a relatively long period of peace from the end of Viet Nam until this current conflict. During that time it was easy to overlook the contributions made by those in the armed forces, past and present because as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”

We of course know all too well this is not the case today and young people are growing up in a time of war just like many of us did, whether it is World War II, Korea or Viet Nam. They are witnessing the pain that goes with having family, friends and neighbors serving overseas. Unlike the 60’s and 70’s when Viet Nam divided our nation, we are united in our respect for the men and women who wear the uniform even if we’re split over the cause they are fighting for.

Today is Veterans Day which marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. It’s a federal holiday although there are schools open who use today to learn about and honor those who have served. Many students will participate in and watch the annual Ocean County Veterans Day Parade, which begins at 9:30am at the Toms River Shopping Center at the intersection of Route 37 and Main Street. The parade follows the same route as the Halloween Parade, heading south on Main Street and then east on Washington Street. It’s a good way to come out and “thank a veteran” for their service.

Once again this year the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals on St. Catherine Boulevard in Toms River is paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With the help of local Boy Scouts, they have placed American flags on their lawn to commemorate the more than 5,000 American men and women killed in Iraq & Afghanistan. It’s a striking and sad reminder of the times we live in and that freedom comes with a price and is never free.