By MADDY VITALE
Members of the military were honored, remembered and cherished for their service during a Veterans Day ceremony Friday at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
American Legion Post 524 Commander Bob Marzulli spoke of their service and how to do something to show them they are appreciated.
Marzulli reflected on the bond that veterans have, whether they served in war time or in peace.
“On Veterans Day, we remember those who gave their lives in war and also those who served their country (not in war time),” he noted. “Roughly, one percent of our population serve in the military.”
The low percentage of military members, he said, is in stark contrast to the population protected by their service, Marzulli pointed out.
Video courtesy of Martin Fiedler, Just Right TV Productions
Marzulli’s message to the Ocean City community was two-fold: help the veterans and promote the importance of military service to young people.
“Today, I would ask you to do this to honor service members. Volunteer to help a veteran or a (current) service member,” he said. “Find a way to help them.”
He also urged the audience to show the younger generations the significance of serving their country as well as always respecting those who served or serve.
“Make an effort to promote the military service to the youth,” he added.
Mayor Jay Gillian delivered remarks about the significant impact veterans, including many in Ocean City, have had on the lives of the community.
He began with asking the audience to give the veterans a round of applause.
He said that, at times, veterans are not treated as they should be. Sometimes, people forget to thank them for their service, despite the fact that they risk their lives to ensure others are safe.
“I want to thank you,” he said, looking out at the audience while thanking the members of the military in attendance.
Gillian also gave a tribute to Doris “Doie” Barnes, a longtime Ocean City resident and retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran who passed away in August.
“She served honorably, and we lost Doie this summer at the age of 101. She will be missed,” he said.
He thanked Ocean City resident, Lt. Col. Tom Dahl, of the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing, and his sons, Senior Airman Thomas Jeffrey Dahl Jr. and Airman First Class Charlie Dahl, for serving their country.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW 6650) Commander Mike Morrissey was out of town and could not attend the ceremony.
Among some poignant traditions of the Veterans Day ceremony was the Armed Forces medley, in which veterans stood up to be recognized for their service in each branch of the military, as the audience applauded.
The ceremony also included prayer. Another important part of the program was the presentation of colors by American Legion Post 524 veteran John Kocher.
The laying of the ceremonial wreath, also an important tradition, was performed by VFW Post 6650 veteran Jeff Valentine and American Legion Post 524 veteran Bob Buker.
Natalie Argento, of Ocean City, sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Michael Allegretto, aide to the mayor, emceed the ceremony. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, City Councilmembers Bob Barr, Karen Bergman, Terry Crowley Jr., and Pete Madden and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michele Gillian.
