By MADDY VITALE
Members of the military were remembered, celebrated and honored during a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Ocean City’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander Mike Morrissey and American Legion Commander Bob Marzulli delivered keynote addresses.
They each gave remarks that seemed to resonate with the audience in the somber ceremony — in a year of a pandemic, loss and uncertainty.
“After all of these years we still have one thing in common, our commitment to the country,” Marzulli said of himself and fellow veterans. “After all of these years we are still here to help each other out. Veterans help veterans.”
The program was also live streamed by the city and Martin Fiedler from Just Right TV Productions for people to watch from home.
Morrissey gave an emotional tribute to veterans and reminded all those who attended that Veterans Day was a day to honor the sacrifices that the service men and women have made for their country.
“Our veterans have brought hope, faith and liberty to the world,” he said. “Freedom we enjoy today is not free.”
Morrissey spoke of how many soldiers either signed up or were drafted into the military at the average age of 19.
“They were too young to buy a beer, yet old enough to serve,” he said. “He can save your life or take it because that is his job.”
He reminded the audience that as they lay down to go to sleep at night, they should think about the sacrifices veterans made and how, when they served, they did not have the comforts of home.
The ceremony was filled with reminders of how vital veterans are to all who they have served and how their service is far reaching.
Prior to the commanders each delivering remarks, Mayor Jay Gillian spoke to the audience and told everyone to be responsible, wear their masks and be safe during the pandemic.
He also spoke of the significant impact veterans, including many in Ocean City, have had on the lives of the community.
Gillian said special appreciation should go out to all veterans for their sacrifices.
He also spoke of the strong leadership by the local American Legion and VFW commanders.
“We are lucky to have these two great leaders,” Gillian said of Morrissey and Marzulli.
The mayor also asked the audience to observe a moment of silence to remember JR Robinson, an Ocean City resident and veteran, who passed away this month.
“Take a moment of silence for JR and his family and all of the other veterans we lost this year,” he said.
The program also included prayer and the presentation of colors by Marine Corps League 76 Dramis Detachment. The laying of the memorial wreath was done by Vietnam Air Force veteran Larry Kelly and Army veteran Ron Williams.
During the Armed Forces medley, in which veterans stood up to be recognized for their service in each branch of the military, the audience applauded.
Ocean City resident Julia Mary Wilson sang The National Anthem and God Bless America.
Assemblyman Antwan McClellan attended, along with Cape May County Freeholders E. Marie Hayes and Jeffrey Pierson. Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michele Gillian and Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor were also among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
City Council members who attended included Bob Barr, Keith Hartzell, Jody Levchuk, Tom Rotondi, Michael DeVlieger, and Peter Madden.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Ocean City VFW Post 6650 and the Ocean City American Legion Post 524.
