If you’re a World War II veteran, the Phillipsburg Area Veterans want you.
The organization that has spearheaded the annual Veterans Day tribute at Phillipsburg High School has big plans for this year’s event.
Organizer Bill Nixon said the group is inviting all World War II veterans in the region to attend to remember their comrades and for folks to pay homage to their service and longevity.
“We want to make them aware,” said Nixon, a retired Phillipsburg educator and U.S. Navy veteran. “We’d like to send them a personal invitation. They’ll be recognized and receive something special at the tribute.
“It’s important that we get them and recognize them. We lose 800 World War II veterans every day. We want to provide a time that we can get them together and their families.”
The tribute coincides with this year’s 70th anniversary of the Allies’ D-Day invasion of Normandy, Nixon said. It is set for Sunday, Nov. 9.
The Veterans Day tribute is nearing its 20th year, and for the past several years organizers have also incorporated New Jersey’s Operation Recognition, which allows veterans to receive what many of them never did: their high school diploma. About 135 diplomas have been awarded the past nine years.
Plans for the day are still in the works, Nixon said, and the committee that organizes it is working with local American Legion posts to spread the word.
Nixon said organizers would like to hear from veterans who want to attend or who plan to attend so a personalized invitation can be sent to them.
Those interested in attending may contact Nixon at 908-319-2800 or at bcnixon1@verizon.net.
Veterans from Pennsylvania and New Jersey are welcome.
“Any World War II veteran, we would love to invite,” he said.