MEMORIAL , from Page 1 his wife Antoinette , DiGerolamo entered boot camp for the United States Army at Fort Dix in August of 1968 .
“ After completion , he joined 101st Airborne , 501st Infantry , Company D , 1st Battalion . He was deployed at LZ Sally in Vietnam . Soon thereafter , Paul was wounded in action on May 21 , 1969 , with a gunshot to the head , landing in a nearby army hospital with partial paralysis on his left side . His journey continued in Japan , then on to Walter Reed Hospital in the nation ’ s capital . His long recuperation ended with duties at Fort Knox and Fort Dix . For his valor and bravery in support of our country , Paul was awarded a Purple Heart ,” the email read .
Following the parade , the Hammonton Tri-Vets — which is comprised of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars ( VFW ) Passalaqua Post 1026 , the Disabled American Veterans ( DAV ) Chapter 66 and the American Legion F . A . Funston Post-186 — held their annual Memorial Day ceremony in Hammonton Veterans Memorial Park .
At the beginning of the ceremony , VFW Commander John Griffee introduced himself as the master of ceremonies before turning the podium over to VFW Chaplain John DeLucca .
“ Memorial Day is a special day set aside by order of [ General ] John Logan in 1868 to honor our comrades who gave their lives for our freedom and all the opportunities we have as Americans . The Tri-Vets of Hammonton consider it a privilege and an honor to lead again the ceremonies in commemorating this day to honor those who have served in all wars and have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country ,” DeLucca said .
Following the presentation of colors by members of the Hammonton Tri-Vets — announced by Past American Legion Commander Arthur Orsi — DAV Commander Larry Adair led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance . This was followed by a performance of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” by Robin Pellot , who also performed “ Battle Hymn of the Republic ” and “ Amazing Grace ” later in the ceremony .
Wednesday , June 1 , 2022 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Memorial Day Parade , Ceremony held downtown May 30
Griffee then introduced the Rev . David Rivera , pastor of St . Mary of Mt . Carmel Parish , who gave the invocation .
“ We come today to acknowledge with our love and devotion those who lay down their lives for our nation that we may enjoy great freedom . We pray today that you send your holy spirit upon us and this nation that , first , we never take for granted the cost of freedom : the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters who laid down their lives for this nation ,” Rivera said .
Rivera said that America serves as a living example to other nations , and prayed for peace .
“ Send your Holy Spirit down to heal the wounds that divide us , the wounds of confusion and the wounds that come from sin . In a special way , pray for families that are suffering today , especially in Texas , because of an abuse of freedom , that those families may receive your Holy Spirit of peace , and our nation may be healed , and learn from our mistakes and never take for granted that freedom for which our brothers and sisters laid down their lives ,” Rivera said .
Before continuing , Griffee took a moment to thank those in attendance .
“ Welcome to all of you who have taken this time this morning to be here to remember the true reason for Memorial Day , and to participate in a fitting ceremony to honor our fallen comrades ,” Griffee said .
Following Griffee ’ s welcome , the Hammonton High School Band performed “ Stars and Stripes Forever .” The band later performed “ Grand Old Flag ” and “ America the Beautiful .”
DeLucca then gave a brief introduction to the material before reading the poem “ In Flanders Fields ” by John McCrae .
After the poem concluded , Councilman Jonathan Oliva took to the podium .
Oliva said that the protection of freedom at all costs and the provision of liberty and justice for all has “ shined like a North Star .”
“ It has guided our armed forces for centuries . Their heroism and sacrifice was prompted by faith in just that . We stand here today as Americans , citizens of the greatest nation in the world , because of their sacrifice ,” Oliva said .
Griffee then read from a speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31 , 1982 , before Atlantic County Fifth District Commissioner James Bertino took to the podium .
“ Every time I walk through this park , I look at the monuments , and I read the names of the local heroes that gave their lives serving
See DAY , Page 18
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