At the county’s Veterans Day observance are, from left, St. Benedict’s Prep Headmaster and President of the Essex County Schools of Technology Board Father Ed Leahy, Chief of Staff Phil Alagia, Freeholder Patricia Sebold, Sheriff Armando Fontoura, Freeholder Len Luciano, Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson, Chris Morgan’s parents April and Chris Sr., Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., West Orange Councilwoman Cindy Matute-Brown, Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne, NJ State Sen. and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz, Assembly members Tom Giblin and Eliana Pintor-Marin, and Newark Councilman John James.
NEWARK, NJ — At the annual Essex County Veterans Day Observance in Essex County Veterans Memorial Park in Newark on Friday, Nov. 1, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran who represents the 11th District, joined Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. During the ceremony, the county executive posthumously presented an Essex County Community Star Award to Christopher “CJ” Morgan Jr., a West Orange resident and West Point cadet who lost his life earlier this year in a training accident. In addition, Essex County employees who are veterans of the seven branches of the military represented in the Essex County Armed Forces monument were invited to attend the ceremony.
“Throughout our country’s history, brave men and women have put their lives on hold to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at home and abroad. Our Essex County Veterans Memorial Park was created to provide our veterans with a place to find serenity and comfort and provide a constant reminder to the public about their contributions and sacrifices,” DiVincenzo said. “We are proud to stand with our veterans at this important occasion, give them our respect and thank them for representing our country with valor and bravery.
“Chris Morgan was a natural leader who became the first person from West Orange to attend West Point. His story has been an inspiration to us and we hope his legacy will encourage other young men and women to follow in his footsteps to serve their country,” he added.
“We are thankful to the many communities that have supported us. The love and support has been overwhelming and we are thankful for it,” said Morgan’s father, Christopher Sr., who was joined by his wife, April.
Addressing CJ Morgan’s parents, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said, “I hope you can feel the debt of our gratitude to CJ. You raised an incredible man whose life was taken too soon.”
DiVincenzo and Sherrill presented the Community Star Award to CJ Morgan’s parents. The plaque states: “Christopher Morgan Jr. was an inspirational member of his West Orange community. He graduated from West Orange High School in 2015 and soon after made history by becoming the first West Orange student to attend the U.S. Military West Point Academy. During high school, he was a highly accomplished student and athlete serving as captain for both the varsity football and wrestling teams. Cadet Morgan continued his wrestling career at West Point as a member of the Army wrestling team. Christopher was an exemplary member of his community. His legacy continues to represent the best in his hometown.”
Morgan lost his life on June 6 as a result of a tragic accident in a military vehicle during a training session at West Point.
“Thank you to the men and women who give their time so we can continue in our daily lives. Chris believed in democracy in a way that we need to teach our children,” NJ State Sen. and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said.
“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, we are proud to honor those who are committed to serving and protecting their country and honor the legacy of CJ Morgan. Chris was a rising star whose impact as a friend was felt deeply by many,” Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson said.
“It is an honor to assemble with you today and honor all who have put on the uniform in service of this great nation,” said Clarence Jackson, a member of the Newark DAV and chairman of the Essex County Veterans Committee.
In addition to honoring the legacy of Christopher Morgan, Sheriff Armando Fontoura remembered Jorge Oliveira, an Essex County sheriff’s officer who lost his life while serving in the Middle East conflict. “Jorge’s statue stands there looking after his fellow officers,” Fontoura said of the statue in the park.
County honors Chris Morgan posthumously at Veterans Day observance added by Editor on
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