DOWNBEACH

Downbeach towns honor those who died for American freedom

Downbeach towns honored the men and women of the armed forces who laid down their lives so all Americans could be free.

Services and parades were held starting at 9 a.m. in Ventnor, where participants heard that the freedom they enjoy today came at a high price – the blood and lives of American soldiers.

Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel noted that their sacrifice touched families with the loss of the character they bring to their families – “their laughter, love and friendship.”

An emotional Commissioner Lance Landgraf said he spoke to his son Evan Sandt-Landgraf, who is serving in the U.S. Navy and is currently deployed in the Middle East, about what he would want to say to his neighbors on Memorial Day.

“He said, ‘Tell them we appreciate the love and support we get from the communities back home,’” Landgraf said.

VFW Post 215 Commander Anthony Ventura said Memorial Day is not just the start of summer or a day off on a long weekend, it is a time to remember the fallen.

“It’s a day to understand their profound absence…and that they were just ordinary people called on to do extraordinary things. We owe them a debt we can never repay,” he said.

In Margate an hour later, Ventnor resident David Nixon stood in the shade of a cherry tree with his patriotically decorated bicycle.

“This is the first time I ever did this. This year, I was moved to purchase all these decorations at the dollar store to decorate my bike. It reminds me of when I was a kid, and today I’m wearing matching red, white and blue clothing,” he said before leaving to join the dozens of bicycle riders who had the same notion – to show their patriotic spirit.

Keynote speaker at Margate’s service was former NJ Senator William Gormley, who spoke about how monuments are erected to honor those who should be remembered.

He brought attention to Margate’s recently installed “Gallery of Heroes,” erected along the Parkway to honor the men and women who answered the call of service – 11 of whom did not return.

Through the volunteer service inspired by Gormley’s longtime friend Jim Savio, banners depicting their photographs and a brief resume have been erected next to the streets where they lived.

“He is very proud of his hometown, but he is really proud of the service Margate has given,” Gormley said, challenging those present to think of ways to honor veterans, not just on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but throughout the year.

In Longport, people lined up along Ventnor Avenue to watch the Memorial Day parade and were greeted promptly at 11:10 a.m. by two F-16 fighter jets flying over the smiley faced water tower.

In his first Memorial Day speech of his tenure on the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Patrick Armstrong thanked American Legion Commander Larry Pacentrilli and the members of the post who have organized Memorial Day programs for the last 60 years.

He recalled that as a young boy, he would hide in the bushes waiting to collect the brass bullet casings that fell to the ground as the honor guard saluted those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Military guest of honor was the Legion’s 2024 Wounded Warrior Week recipient, U.S. Air Force MSgt. (Ret.) Roger Lozano Hopkins, who spent 23 years deployed around the world and in war zones, saving the lives of his comrades.

“Today is not about me, our medals or service, it’s about the men and women who laid down everything they had…for us and our future,” he said.

He spoke the names of numerous friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“I will remember the fallen and in doing so, they will live on,” he said. “These are patriots who wore the uniform, not for glory, not for politics, but for the love of their country, love of their teammates and the love of something greater than themselves.

“Take a moment of reflection, not just today, but for every day. Speak their names, tell their stories, and they will live through us.”