From Brigantine's Sunday parade to ceremonies in Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May County and communities throughout the region, South Jersey prepares to honor those who served.
SOUTH JERSEY — Communities across Atlantic and Cape May counties are preparing to honor America's military veterans with parades, patriotic concerts, wreath-laying ceremonies and special tributes as Veterans Day approaches on Wednesday, November 11.
Events are scheduled throughout the region, giving residents numerous opportunities to recognize the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
While Veterans Day officially falls on Wednesday, observances are already underway, including a parade in Brigantine scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
South Jersey NewsBeat has compiled a guide to announced ceremonies and events across Atlantic and Cape May counties, along with several notable observances elsewhere in South Jersey.
Sunday, November 8
BRIGANTINE — Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Time: Noon
Location: Brigantine City Hall, 1417 W. Brigantine Ave., to Veterans Park at Brigantine and Revere boulevards.
Brigantine VFW Post 6964 will host the city's annual Veterans Day parade and commemoration.
The parade begins at City Hall and proceeds to Veterans Park, where participants will gather to recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans.
Residents are encouraged to attend and show their appreciation for local veterans.
Tuesday, November 10
STOCKTON UNIVERSITY — Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Campus Center Grand Hall, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway Township.
Stockton University will honor veterans and active-duty military personnel during its annual ceremony.
The program will include the national anthem, remarks from community members and a keynote address by Col. Yvonne L. Mays of the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing.
A reception will follow in the F-Wing Lower Gallery Atrium.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Veterans Day Ceremony and Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.
Egg Harbor Township, the Atlantic Pops Community Band and the Egg Harbor Township Veterans Association will present a special Veterans Day ceremony and patriotic concert.
The event is free and open to the public.
VINELAND — Rowan College of South Jersey Veterans Day Celebration
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Rowan College of South Jersey, Cumberland Campus, 3322 College Drive, Vineland.
The college's Student Veterans Chapter of America will host a ceremony honoring veterans and active-duty service members.
The program will feature military veterans, college representatives, patriotic music, the posting of the colors and the playing of taps.
Speakers include Navy Master Chief Stephen C. Callaghan and Army Vietnam veteran Earl E. Courter Jr.
Wednesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Atlantic County
ATLANTIC COUNTY — Veterans Honored at Meadowview
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield.
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board will recognize military veterans who reside at Meadowview.
The ceremony will honor veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
The program will include the presentation of certificates, a color guard, patriotic songs and readings.
ATLANTIC CAPE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Veterans Day Recognition
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Building G lobby, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing.
Atlantic Cape Community College's Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs departments will recognize military veterans and active-duty service members.
The event is part of the college's monthlong observance of National Veterans and Military Families Month.
EGG HARBOR CITY — Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: American Legion Hall, 527 Philadelphia Ave.
American Legion Post 158, its auxiliary unit, Richard McAnney VFW Post 5341 and the City of Egg Harbor City will host a Veterans Day parade and ceremony.
The program will feature the Cedar Creek High School marching band under the direction of Valerie Adams.
The event will take place outdoors, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.
An open house with refreshments will follow at the American Legion hall.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Galloway Senior Center, 621 W. White Horse Pike.
Galloway Township Community Services will host a ceremony recognizing local veterans and their contributions to the nation.
LONGPORT — Veterans Day Observance
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Thomas B. Reed Park, 28th and Ventnor avenues.
The Borough of Longport will honor local veterans during a ceremony sponsored by John A. Kuzmann Memorial American Legion Post 469.
PLEASANTVILLE — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 333 S. Franklin Blvd.
Pleasantville will hold a public ceremony honoring military veterans and recognizing local cadets.
The program will include remarks from community officials and musical tributes.
Light refreshments will follow at American Legion Post 81, 902 S. Main St.
SOMERS POINT — Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Patriots Park, Bethel Road and First Street.
Veterans, elected officials and community members will gather for the city's annual Veterans Day ceremony.
The observance will include guest speakers, musical tributes and a wreath-laying at the veterans memorial.
The public is invited to attend.
Cape May County
CAPE MAY — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Soldiers and Sailors Park, Cape May.
Cape May will hold its Veterans Day ceremony at Soldiers and Sailors Park, providing residents and visitors an opportunity to honor military service members.
CAPE MAY COUNTY — Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Gerald M. Thornton Veterans' Cemetery, Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House.
The Cape May County Board of Commissioners will host its annual ceremony honoring military veterans.
Local officials and community leaders will participate in the observance.
The ceremony is free and open to the public, with light refreshments scheduled afterward.
NORTH WILDWOOD — Veterans Day Services
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Spruce and New York avenues.
VFW Post 5491 will sponsor a Veterans Day ceremony recognizing the service and sacrifices of America's military veterans.
OCEAN CITY — Veterans Day Program
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave.
Ocean City will hold its annual Veterans Day program honoring local military veterans.
The ceremony will take place indoors at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
SEA ISLE CITY — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Veterans Park, Sea Isle City.
Sea Isle City officials and community representatives will gather to honor military veterans during the city's annual observance.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will move to the Community Center at 4500 Central Ave.
STONE HARBOR — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m., according to local event listings
Location: Veterans Plaza, Stone Harbor.
Stone Harbor will hold a Veterans Day observance honoring local military veterans.
An open house is scheduled afterward at Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331, located at 117th Street and Second Avenue.
UPPER TOWNSHIP — Veterans Day Service
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Sergeant William Godfrey Memorial Park, 1731 Route 9, Seaville.
Army veteran and local resident James Joyce will host Upper Township's annual Veterans Day service.
Vocalist Jim Offner will perform the national anthem, and Army veteran James VanZilke will deliver remarks.
The program will also include a special flag tribute to Donald Mullen.
A display of photographs honoring veterans and refreshments will be available in the clubhouse following the ceremony.
Elsewhere in South Jersey
CAMDEN — Veterans Day Aboard Battleship New Jersey
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Battleship New Jersey, 62 Battleship Place, Camden.
One of South Jersey's most distinctive Veterans Day ceremonies will take place aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey.
The free public ceremony will be held on the ship's fantail.
Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, New Jersey's adjutant general and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The program will also recognize World War II Marine veteran Stephen A. Anderson of Cinnaminson, who participated in the battles of Tinian, Saipan and Okinawa.
Anderson, who celebrated his 100th birthday in July, is scheduled to cast a commemorative wreath.
CHERRY HILL — American Legion Veterans Day Service
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: American Legion Post 372, 1532 Martin Ave.
The American Legion will hold a brief Veterans Day service in front of the post's flagpole.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place rain or shine.
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP — Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 11 a.m., according to regional event listings
Location: Municipal War Memorial, 125 S. Route 73, Braddock.
Winslow Township will recognize military veterans during a public ceremony at its municipal war memorial.
If weather conditions prevent an outdoor gathering, the ceremony will move inside to the municipal courtroom.
ROWAN COLLEGE OF SOUTH JERSEY — GLOUCESTER CAMPUS
Date: Wednesday, November 11
Location: Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester County campus.
The college will hold a Veterans Day observance recognizing the service and sacrifice of military veterans.
The program is part of the college's Veterans Day activities across its Cumberland and Gloucester campuses.
Additional Veterans Recognition Events
Atlantic Cape Community College is also recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month throughout November.
The college's Atlantic City campus will host a Veteran Spotlight program on Wednesday, November 18, from noon to 2 p.m. in the campus cafeteria.
Veteran students and staff members will share their experiences and stories of military service.
All three Atlantic Cape campuses are also hosting activities that allow students and community members to write messages of gratitude to veterans.
The college is participating in Wreaths Across America, with a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for December 19 at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in Mays Landing.
A Day to Honor Those Who Served
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended major fighting in World War I in 1918.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize Americans who served in all branches of the military.
Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died while serving in the armed forces, Veterans Day recognizes all military veterans, living and deceased.
Across South Jersey, this year's ceremonies provide opportunities for residents to thank veterans, remember their sacrifices and recognize the military service that has shaped generations of local families.
Residents planning to attend should check with local organizers for any last-minute schedule or location changes, particularly for outdoor ceremonies.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
