Marine Iraq Combat Veteran guest speaker At Hunterdon County’s Virtual Veterans Medal Ceremony Nov. 11
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Retired U.S. Marine Veteran Chris Soldano, who served three combat tours in Iraq and is the State Judge Advocate for the Marine Corps League, will be the guest speaker when fifty seven Hunterdon County Veterans are recognized for their service to the nation, during ceremonies, at 11 am on Veterans Day, November 11th, being conducted virtually and available on the Hunterdon County’s website and Facebook page.
Hunterdon County Freeholder Board Deputy Director Susan J. Soloway announced last week that Veterans who applied for Hunterdon County recognition medals this year have all received their medals via door to door delivery, out of concern for their health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soloway, the Board’s Veterans Liaison, said “The medal awards ceremony normally occurs at the County 4H Fair in August, which was postponed due to the corona virus. We believe that it is most fitting for the rescheduled Ceremony to be set for Veteran’s Day, November 11th,”
“The Freeholders believe that offering the ceremony virtually, through the county website, is a safe way to recognize our Veterans. It will extend the scope of viewership, as friends and relatives of medal recipients, wherever they reside, as well as other Veterans and members of the public, will be able to view the program on any electronic devices,” Soloway said.
The virtual medal ceremony will take place following the tolling of the Historic Courthouse bell 21 times in honor of all Veterans.
“The Historic Courthouse bell is tolled in honor of all Veterans, and in recognition of what was once called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month. The bell is tolled 21 times in recognition of the 21 gun salute that honors those in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation,” Soloway said.
Hunterdon County Clerk Mary H. Melfi, Sheriff Fred W. Brown, Acting Prosecutor Michael J. Williams, Freeholder Board Director Shaun C. Van Doren and Freeholder John E. Lanza, will join Freeholder Soloway in presenting brief biographical sketches on each Veteran medal recipient during the proceedings.
Dan Torrone will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The ceremonies will be recorded and will be available for viewing on the county’s website.
