NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Announces Remembrance Day Ceremony

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will hold its annual New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day ceremony on Tuesday, May 7th at 11:00 AM.

May 7th was created by legislation in 1991 as a unique day in New Jersey to honor all those who served in the military during the Vietnam Era from 1959 to 1975.  More than 200,000 New Jersey residents served in the armed forces during that time.

The guest speaker is Brig. Gen. James J. Grant who serves as the Director, Joint Staff – Joint Force Headquarters, New Jersey National Guard.  As Director, Grant oversees the training, operations and logistics support for the more than 8,300 members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, as well directing the day-to-day operations of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  He has responsibility for: Family Support, Fiscal Division, Installations, New Jersey National Guard Training Center located at Sea Girt, Office of Military Affairs, and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.  General Grant received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Officer Candidate School in 1982.  Prior to receiving his commission, General Grant served as an enlisted member in the United States Marine Corps serving from 1973 until 1975.

In addition, during this year’s ceremony the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be awarding a number of New Jersey State medals.  These include the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.  (A list of medal recipients is available.  Please contact us if you are interested in receiving the list.)

Admission is free for all visitors on May 7th and the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, celebrating its 15th anniversary, will be open 10 AM to 4 PM.  The Museum is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel.  The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The Museum & Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM.  For more information on the Memorial or Educational Center, call 732-335-0033 or visit www.njvvmf.org.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization, which strives to foster patriotism and recognition of the sacrifices, courage and valor of the New Jersey veterans of the Vietnam Era.  Built in 1988, the Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is adjacent to the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center in Holmdel, New Jersey.