BELVIDERE, N.J. (Warren County) — Warren County is accepting applications through June 26 for its annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony, which will honor local wartime veterans during a public event scheduled for July 11 at the Warren County War Memorial.
The 19th Warren County Veterans Recognition Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the memorial adjacent to the Warren County Courthouse in Belvidere. The Warren County Board of County Commissioners and the Warren County War Memorial Corporation will recognize eligible veterans who served during periods of military conflict.
Veterans selected for recognition will receive the Warren County Distinguished Military Service Medal, along with a certificate and commemorative pin. Family members may submit applications on behalf of veterans, whether living or deceased.
County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla and Commissioners James R. Kern III and Jason J. Sarnoski are expected to present the awards during the ceremony.
The event’s tentative program includes a county proclamation commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, recognition of Dr. Joseph Warren, for whom Warren County is named, and a brief review of American history.
The ceremony also will feature the presentation of Distinguished Military Service awards, performances of service songs representing each military branch, and the presentation of Quilts of Valor to veterans John Depatto, Thomas Devlin, Arthur Ellis Jr. and Carl Timberman.
Additional entertainment will include musician Doug Grunn performing the “Band of Brothers” theme song and selections by the Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps. Lily and Grace Duckworth are scheduled to perform the national anthem.
Seating will be reserved for honored veterans and one accompanying guest. Organizers encourage other attendees to bring lawn chairs, as only a limited number of additional seats will be available.
Since the recognition program began in 2003, Warren County has awarded the Distinguished Military Service Medal to 2,265 veterans who served in the U.S. military during times of conflict.
Applications are available through Warren County and must be submitted by June 26. Questions about the program may be directed to Veterans Services Officer Jacqueline Petersen, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant, at 877-222-3737.
