BERKELEY – Dozens of veterans are buried at the cemeteries surrounding Faith Community Church. Some date back hundreds of years. Despite the length of time they’ve been there, a recent ceremony ensured that they will never be forgotten.
Faith Community Church at the corner of Route 9 and Butler Avenue hosted a Wreaths Across America service, one of many held throughout the country recognizing and honoring past soldiers.
At the one in Berkeley, the Central Regional JROTC presented the colors and “Taps” was played.
First, a wreath was laid for each branch of the armed services. This was followed by individual wreaths placed at each veteran’s grave. The volunteers doing this were encouraged to say the soldier’s name and thank them.
True to the Wreaths Across America credo to educate the next generation, some of those helping with the wreaths were Girl Scouts.
There were lists of each veteran, and where they are buried. In some cases, it was noted where they served. For example, Elwood Butler served the Coast Guard at the Sandy Hook Lifesaving Station in World War I.
Among the Civil War veterans, there was Sgt. James A. Pettis of the 5th NJ Union Army; John E. Hallar of the 20th Maine Union Army, John Cameron of the 31st NJ Union Army; and Union soldier Charles Grant.
Andrew Strauss served in the Army during the Spanish-American War.
There were, of course, more recent veterans, like Marine Sgt. Charles E. Nevins, who served in the Persian Gulf.
One that stood out for having five Bronze Stars was David Judson Paulera, a member of the Coast Guard and Navy during World War II.
There were some familiar names, such as WWII Army vet Samuel R. Britton, Sr., who was the town’s first police chief.
There were several last names that appeared multiple times, as military service tends to run in families.
Ron Schweiters, chair of the Elks Veterans Committee, spoke about the importance of gathering to remember and honor the vets for their sacrifice and to teach the next generation about them.
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue,” he read from a speech mostly prepared by Wreaths Across America.
“There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away, that most of us have never heard of. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred, and injustice,” he said.
He asked members of the Veterans Committee to join him. “These are the people responsible for what we are doing today. I have been the chairperson for the past 14 years. I am proud to say in that time we have been able to help and enrich the lives of many homeless, disabled and active duty military members. It is the dedication of people like this that make that all possible and I am proud to be a part of that dedication,” he said.
Senator Carmen Amato presented a resolution from the Senate and General Assembly honoring the Elks for their efforts.
Mayor John Bacchione spoke about the importance of these ceremonies for keeping the memories of these veterans alive.
Jerry Lynch spoke on behalf of Tunnel To Towers, a development being built in town where veterans will live. The group has the goal to end veteran homelessness.
Wreaths were also placed at a memorial on the grounds of Central Regional High School. Photos and information about that event will be provided in a future article.
