Story by Maria Ferris and EmmaLee Italia | Correspondents

Resounding messages of honor and gratitude were heard – and experienced – Nov. 11 and in the days preceding as those across the Diocese marked Veterans Day and celebrated the servicemen and women who have given much to protect the country.

“Thank our veterans for being willing to give so much of themselves so we can enjoy our religious freedoms,” Father Brian Woodrow, pastor of St. John the Baptist, Allentown, said, paying tribute to both the living and fallen as he celebrated Mass Nov. 11 in Holy Cross Church, Trenton, a worship site of Divine Mercy Parish. The Mass was hosted by Catholic War Veterans, Holy Cross Post 417, to which most of the veterans who were present belong.

Photo Gallery: Holy Cross Church, Trenton

Ushered in by the Color Guard, a wreath was laid at the foot of the altar, a fitting reminder of “the ultimate sacrifice in which our Lord, Jesus Christ, gave for us,” Father Woodrow said.

“The heart and soul of what we do in Mass is thanksgiving and gratitude,” Father Woodrow said in his homily. “God has blessed America by the very service of those so brave to defend our freedom.”

He noted that Nov. 11 was also the day the Church observes the feast of St. Martin of Tours, who was also a soldier. The priest recounted the story of how St. Martin gave part of his cape to a poor man lying on the side of the road so that he could have warmth and dignity. That night, St. Martin was given a gift from God – a mystic dream in which Jesus was wearing that same cloak while talking to angels and boasting about the beauty of what the saint had done.

“Our Lord tells us very clearly when we do for even the least of our brothers and sisters we do for him,” Father Woodrow said.

Many veterans took part during the Mass such as Stanley Winowicz, a retired Navy Reserve captain who read a prayer for deceased war veterans, and Walter P. Kramarz, a World War II Army medic and official bugler for Mercer County veterans who played a moving rendition of “Taps.”

Winowicz said it was important to recognize Veterans Day. “There’s a lot of sacrifice involved with military service, not only for the service member but for the family.”

Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly

Seven servicemembers of the U.S. Air Force visited Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, for multiple presentations on military service Nov. 11.

In groups of pre-K through second grades, third through fifth and sixth through eighth grades, the USAF members tailored their presentations to each level – which included demonstrating equipment and allowing students to try on various items; a tour of a military Humvee; seeing military meals for those in service overseas; push-up contests and races with one of the servicemen, and a flag-folding ceremony for the upper grades.

“The flag-folding ceremony was beautiful,” said Kathryn Besheer, Sacred Heart School principal. “The script they use was important for our students to learn … every fold has a particular meaning.”

Climbing into the Humvee and honking the horn was a huge highlight for the younger students, Besheer recalled.

“For me, one of the great things that day was seeing these men and women in uniform working with the kids, hoisting them up into the vehicle,” she said. “The kids had a lot of personal attention, with so many military servicemen and women there.”

This year’s visit was coordinated by a school parent, Lt. Col. Stephanie Aaron, USAF. The school has hosted a military visit on Veterans Day for many years, Besheer said, but noted that in the past it was usually an Army group; this was the first year the Air Force attended. Before leaving, the students presented personal thank you cards to each service member, which they had prepared during the week.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting

A prayer service honoring veterans was held the morning of Nov. 11 at the Service Monument of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting. The event was “very well attended by veterans and their families,” said parish Deacon Jerry Purcell, who led the service.

The monument, which stands between the Church and the Manchester Memorial Funeral Home next door, is surrounded by a brick pathway named the Path of Honor; parishioners have purchased bricks in honor of loved ones who have served in the Armed Forces, some of which date back to the Civil War.

The parish chose to hold the event early enough that veterans attending were still able to attend various honorary events and meals offered in the area that day.

The service included reading aloud all veterans’ names and nature of their service submitted by family members. Deacon Purcell gave a talk on military service and read the military Code of Conduct that each service member receives upon entry.

“I asked everyone in attendance to take home the name of a veteran printed on a sheet of paper, and to pray for them every day up to Memorial Day,” said Deacon Purcell, who is considering a similar prayer service for the May holiday.

Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River

Students in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, hosted 145 veterans and their family members Nov. 6 for a luncheon at their school.

The event included a “Missing Man Table Ceremony,” with an empty table set in honor of those missing in action from each branch of the military. A flag-folding ceremony was presented by the school’s Eagle Scouts, and special recognition was given to veteran Dick Rieger for “above and beyond service to the parish community and country – he’s in the Knights of Columbus and always helping at parish fundraisers and the food pantry,” said JoAnn D’Anton, director of the high school’s Office of Advancement.

Air Force veteran Joe Placente, a native of Toms River, was also recognized for his 14-year mission. “He has taken it upon himself to promote veterans’ causes and to carry the American flag in parades, marathons and wherever he can in 14 different states,” D’Anton explained.

Veterans and their families were escorted to their tables and served by  students, who also treated the honorees to a rousing performance of a military-song medley, led by Placente and complete with a salute to the branches when their song came up. All food for the catered luncheon was donated by businesses of the community.

Along the perimeter of the room were framed photos of veterans, a tribute to both the living and deceased, identified by their name, rank and branch of service. All veterans had their picture taken under the Balloon American Flag display, along with Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher. Prayer cards were distributed to each veteran upon leaving.

Pope John Paul II Regional School, Willingboro

Students of Pope John Paul II Regional School, Willingboro, invited veterans to a special Veteran’s Day commemoration Nov. 11.

Family members and students related to the veterans attended Mass together in Corpus Christi Church, then continued the day’s events with a brunch served in the school. The meal, a combination of donated and home-baked goods, was prepared and served by marketing committee members.

Approximately 35 veterans and their spouses were treated to a show performed by the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classes, which included the patriotic musical numbers “Let’s Sing America,” “Of Thee I Sing” and “We Remember.”

“The students thanked the veterans for the sacrifice they made to make America strong, proud and free,” said Nicole Wood, pre-K teacher. “Each veteran also received a goody bag from the students when they left – every grade played a part [in the event],” she said, noting that kindergarten, first, second and sixth grades created personalized thank you cards for the bag, which also contained a patriotic ornament, saying “Thank You For Your Service,” assembled by seventh- and eighth-grade students.

“I want to congratulate your school on a very welcome celebration of Veterans Day,” retired veteran Army Lt. Col. Jim MacStravic wrote in a thank you note.

“It was a wonderful breakfast, and the presentation was outstanding.  Please thank all involved for me, especially Mateo Wilson, who wrote me a note,” he continued, referencing the personalized card he received.

Principal Catherine Zagola said, “It was an honor to thank the men and women who made our country great.”