Veterans Day has camaraderie, memories and gratitude

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Under clear, chilly skies this past Saturday morning, Nov. 11, Bloomfield again observed Veterans Day.
The march by uniformed first-responders began at Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. and traveled down Franklin Street to the Miles Saurez VFW Post 711 Memorial at The Green for an 11:11 a.m. appointment with tradition. It was at that time of day, on Nov. 11, 1918, that the armistice ending World War I was signed.

The Bloomfield observance was sponsored by the Bloomfield Joint Memorial Day Committee and emceed by its president, Joe Ellmer. About 40 citizens, in addition to township personnel, gathered to pay homage to American veterans everywhere.
The invocation was given by Pastor Susan Dorward of the Brookdale Reformed Church.

“Lord, we thank you for your servicemen and women who have and continue to serve,” she said. “For putting their lives on the line for people they don’t know.”

She prayed that servicemen and women, who suffered physical and mental harm, and experienced “rocky relationships” because of their military duties, would be healed.

“Let us remember you love us,” she said to the Almighty, in conclusion.
Ellmer thanked everyone for getting up on a nice, warm Saturday morning to be there with him.
“I hope next year isn’t this bad,” he said.

Mayor Michael Venezia said the day was to remember servicemen who, in war and peace, make the commitment for American ideals of justice. Bloomfield High School sophomore Mikaela Benkart sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” She later sang “America the Beautiful.”

Ellmer said there were three township veterans who had died during the past year. He named Al Formica, who was 100 years old; John Crecco, 95, who initiated the Bloomfield Veterans Day observance; and 90-year-old Frank Diveny.
“We’ve got to remember them,” he said.

Dorward asked the veterans in the audience to come to the podium and stand before the people. A number of them did.
“These are the men and women who make it possible for us to pledge allegiance to this flag and to do whatever we want,” she said.

“Taps” was played by two BHS students. Sophomore Daniela Chung played lead trumpet near the podium. Across Franklin Street, she was echoed by junior Sergio Fernandez’s trumpet. The ceremony was then concluded. Donuts and coffee were available at the nearby fire station.