Longport Commissioner Jim Leeds honors America's war heroes.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
DOWNBEACH – Despite thunderstorms and sporadic rain, Memorial Day parades and services were held Monday morning in all three Downbeach communities.
The day started at 9 a.m. amid the drenching rain, which warranted moving the service indoors to the rotunda at Ventnor City Hall. Veterans and members of the city’s Fire and Police departments stood in a circle around the tile compass rose medallion to hear brief but meaningful speeches about the sacrifices made not only by members of the military who never returned, but also the families that still bear the pain of the loss of their loved ones.
“Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel said. “Their families bear their loss every day.”
Kriebel introduced a new program in Ventnor being forwarded by Albert Dolceamore of Medford, who was born and raised in Ventnor. Dolceamore is starting a new program to honor the heroes of Ventnor who never returned from wars waged to protect freedom for people in America and around the world.
“Ventnor Remembers will raise awareness of those who died in conflicts,” Dolceamore said. “I am anxious to bring the program to the schools where the students can do the research and learn about our Ventnor heroes who gave their lives for their freedom.”
Dolceamore said he spoke with Beach Patrol Chief Stan Bergman about adding Ventnor’s war heroes’ names to the back of the surf boats that, under the power of the Beach Patrol, go out into the ocean to rescue wayward swimmers every day during the summer season.
He said funding for the project would be minimal but having their names emblazoned on the rescue boats would make a lasting impression on residents and visitors.
Commissioner Lance Landgraf became emotional during his commentary about veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“They all possessed the qualities of duty, courage and country. We thank them for their sacrifice. They came from all walks of life…and took on a heavy load to keep the home fires burning,” he said.
Greater Atlantic City VFW Post 215 Commander Anthony Ventura, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, provided comments about the brave and patriotic men and women who continue to serve their nation as members of the U.S. military.
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After a 45-minute delay in the start of the Memorial Day Parade in Margate, the rain subsided and children on their bicycles joined city officials in the march up Ventnor Avenue to All Wars Memorial Park, where a program was held to honor America’s heroes.
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Due to the weather-related delay, Downbeach.com was unable to attend the service portion of the city’s Memorial Day program.
Margate service photos by STEVE JASIECKI/Margate Mayor Michael Collins addresses the crowd gathered for the 2024 Memorial Day service at All Wars Memorial Park.
The sky got even brighter as the Longport Memorial Day Parade got underway, traveling Ventnor Avenue to Thomas B. Reed Memorial Park at the foot of the Longport bridge, where, under the detailed planning of American Legion Post 469 Commander Larry Pacentrilli, participants listened to comments provided by 2023 Wounded Warrior Week recipient U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Phillip Fong.
Two F-16 fighter jets from the 177
th Fighter Wing conducted a flyover promptly at 11 a.m., a service they performed at seven other Memorial Day events across South Jersey, Pacentrilli said.
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In his last Memorial Day speech of his tenure as mayor, Nicholas Russo noted the “somberness of the day as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” which is a “priceless gift to all of us.”
But it is also a festive day as residents and visitors welcome the start of summer fun, “which would not be possible but for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” he said.
Fong, who rode to the park in a convertible with his wife Sylvia and their three boys, Phill, Will and Dill, said he was so impressed with his weeklong stay in Longport last year, that he started a new “mission,” Operation Healing Forces, to assist his fellow veterans. The program replicates the Wounded Warrior Week vacation stay for other members of the military who are getting back on their feet after being injured or overcoming obstacles experienced while serving their country. The program also provides them with other services needed when returning home.
“We celebrate the resilience and camaraderie that defines the spirit of our military community,” he said. “During Wounded Warrior Week, I witnessed first-hand the power of unity, support and unwavering dedication…every moment was a testament to the enduring bond that connects us as veterans and Americans.”
“As we pause to honor the fallen, let us recommit ourselves to supporting those who have returned home with visible and invisible wounds. Let us honor their sacrifice not only with words but with actions, by ensuring they receive the care, respect and opportunity they all deserve,” Fong said.
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