Dear Friends,
I was proud to present a key to the city on Tuesday to U.S. Air Force TSgt. Josef Ward and his family.
The Wards are visiting Ocean City as part of the local American Legion’s R&R Program, which provides free vacations to military men and women returning from duty.
Ward has been deployed to Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Senegal, Cameroon, Qatar and Germany. I’m grateful to the American Legion for maintaining this exceptional program, and I’m appreciative of the sacrifices made by all of our veterans.
Below is a picture of the Wards: Josiah, Josef, Jude, Lucielle and Nicole.
At this morning’s Boardwalk flag-raising ceremony, two Army veterans, Robert and Genni Domenici, were on hand to do the honors of raising the flag.
The flag-raising has become a tradition in Ocean City and it will take place in front of the Music Pier at 8:50 a.m. daily through Sept. 11.
Below is a picture of the Domenicis (Robert, Max, Emily and Genni) along with fire and beach patrol personnel, who are now part of the ceremony.
We’re honoring our heroes with this year’s Night in Venice theme – all of the health care workers, first responders, essential employees and others who helped us get through the year.
I’m particularly grateful to Dr. Christopher Lucasti, Dr. Charles Roche, Dr. Jeanne Rowe, Dr. Jason Chew and Dr. Gary Raab. This group provided facts and vital guidance to me as the city made decisions during the pandemic.
This group will be part of the Night in Venice boat parade this year, and pictured below are Dr. Chew, Dr. Raab and Dr. Roche. (We got caught in a brief downpour at the Bayside Center this morning.)
The city sold 89 abandoned bicycles and raised $6,103 at our Bicycle Auction on Wednesday. Even on a hot and humid morning, 134 bidders registered and participated. This annual tradition will return next July.
I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
