The selfless sacrifices that women and men have made and continue to make to serve their country and protect their fellow citizens were commemorated in various ways by school and parish communities during Veterans Day weekend 2024.
Among the events held on Nov. 10 included the breakfast that the Marlboro Council, Knights of Columbus, held in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro. The council invited all women and men serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces as well as “Gold Star” parents, widows and widowers, to enjoy a free breakfast as a small token of appreciation for their loved one’s selfless service to their country.
PHOTO GALLERY: Veterans Day ceremony in Whiting parish
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Rose of Lima School honors veterans
The gymnasium in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, served as the site of a “Salute to Our Past and Present Military” concert featuring the Toms River Municipal Concert Band.
To recognize and honor the men and women who dedicated their lives in service to the United States, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 10 at the Knights of Columbus Memorial, which is adjacent to the parish grounds.
Father Evarist Kabagambe, parish pastor, presided over the service which drew members of the Knights of Columbus and veterans as well as family members, friends and fellow parishioners.
On Nov. 11, the parking lot of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, was bustling during the school’s Veterans Day Drive-Through celebration. All U.S. military and their spouses were invited to drive through the school grounds and be greeted with cheers and signs of appreciation by the student body. Other grammar schools to honor veterans were St. Rose School, Belmar, which hosted a presentation by a school parent who shared his story of serving in Iraq, and St. Dominic School, Brick, where the third and fourth graders hosted an evening concert of patriotic music. The pre-K students in St. Dominic School showed their appreciation by creating heartfelt messages.
Throughout the weekend, veterans and prayers for peace in the world were also remembered during all Masses around the Diocese. A special Mass for veterans was celebrated on Veterans Day by Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood. The Mass was held in the St. Mary of the Lake worship site.
Veterans wave to St. Rose of Lima School students in Freehold during the Drive-Through celebration held Nov. 11. Mike Ehrmann photo