Richard Jorgenson of Marmora was honored for his military service at the Longport American Legion's Veterans Day service held Nov. 11, 2021.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT Local veterans and citizens were out in force Thursday, Nov. 11 to honor all the men and women who have donned a uniform of the U.S. military past, present and future.
The Longport American Legion Post 469 held its annual Veterans Day ceremony in Thomas B. Reed Park at the foot of the Longport bridge to honor the sacrifices made not only by veterans during times of war, but also veterans who served in times of peace, Mayor Nicholas Russo said.
These veterans, through their commitment, dedication and service, help to send an immeasurable message to our enemies that we will always be on guard and prepared to defend the Constitution of the United States, he said.
Legion Commander Larry Pacentrilli led the ceremony, recognizing the students from the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School's Singsations chorale who attended the ceremony to sing the national anthem and God Bless America.
Russo said the veterans present for the service represent all veterans who put on a military uniform.
So, as I look out on the members of our American Legion who represent every single American who ever put on a U.S. military uniform and notice the tremendous pride in their faces when they wear their Legion uniform, let me thank all of them for their commitment, sacrifice and service in defense of American freedom, he said.
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One of those wearing the colors associating him as a veteran was Cpl. Richard Jorgenson 1967-1970 of Marmora who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War.
Jorgenson, 72, was one of six veterans honored with the installation of a brick paver engraved with their name, rank, branch of the military and years of service at the base of the borough's unique sundial monument that depicts various historical events in U.S. military history. At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, the sundial casts a shadow on a bronze disk noting Veterans Day.
The unsuspecting veteran had no idea his wife of 49 years, Cheryl, and his son Michael had secretly nominated him for the honor.
It was a complete surprise, Jorgenson said. I was looking around to see if there was another Jorgenson here.
Jorgenson served in the U.S. Marine Corps 26th Division as an anti-tank specialist.
My first seven months were horrible over there, he said recalling his three years of service. I was sent away from my battalion and that's when nearly all of my platoon buddies were wiped out.
The attack reduced the numbers of soldiers from around 300 to just 50.
God was with me then, he said.
Other veterans honored or memorialized with the installation of a brick paver are:
Michael L. Cohen, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard 1960-1966. Cohen was the former mayor of Longport and the founder of the Longport Historical Society. His wife Ellen and son Jonathan helped to install the brick paver.
He not only served his nation well, but also gave a tremendous amount of time, energy and heart to Longport, Pacentrilli said.
Staff Sgt. Bahir Browsh U.S. Air Force 1943-1947. The son of immigrants, Browsh, who grew up in the Bronx, was also a member of the American Legion Post. His son and daughter were there to honor their father, who was extremely proud of his military service, Pacentrilli said.
Cpl. Leo Bayard of the U.S. Army Air Corps 1942-1946. After being injured in World War II, Bayard was sent to India where he entertained the troops in China, Burma and India for the remainder of the war. Using the GI Bill, he studied acting and eventually became the owner of a dance and drama studio in New York. He is buried in the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor.
PFC Giocomo DiMarco of the U.S. Army 1916-1918. During World War I, DiMarco was a motorcycle courier assigned to Gen. Jack Pershing's 314th Infantry Division Headquarters. His son John is a member of the Legion post.
Lt. Frank Nolan of the U.S. Army Armor Division 1966-1969. Nolan, a member of the Legion post, served three years in Germany during the Vietnam War and later as a reservist in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He recently underwent surgery and is rehabilitating at the Veterans Nursing Home in Vineland.
This year's Veterans Day also marks the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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