The Hammonton Gazette 081413 | Page 5

Page 6 • Wednesday, August 14, 2013 • The Hammonton Gazette

The Hammonton Gazette
“The Paper of Record”
dan russoman, Sports Editor benny Mendez, Staff Artist

Gabriel J. donio, Publisher Gina rullo, Editor-in-Chief

A reminder

The Hammonton Gazette is published Tuesdays, by The Hammonton Gazette, Inc. Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. ISSN?1093-6181

The Hammonton Gazette is located at 233 bellevue Ave. to reach a staff member, call 704-1940 or fax at 704-1938. the mailing address is P.o.?box 1228, hammonton, NJ 08037.

Michelle Gameron, Marysusan?hoffman, Lauren bucci Michael hozik, donna brown, Jessica Newell, Joseph?bruno, Paul J. Macrie iv, Lauren crescenzo, brian?Morris, Anthony Marella, Staff

editoriALs

Passing the test

There was another reminder of the sacrifices the men and women of the United States Armed Forces make to allow Americans to live in safety and freedom — and a reminder that Americans, and Hammontonians, do not take their service for granted. Lumps met throats and tears met eyes as family members said goodbye to members of the 150th Engineer Company (Horizontal) as they gathered at the Hammonton Armory for the starting point of a journey that will take them to Bordentown, then Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and eventually overseas. The 100 New Jersey Army National Guardsman are beginning a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. A large crowd of supporters turned out at the Hammonton Armory on Egg Harbor Road, including Mayor Stephen DiDonato and other elected officials. DiDonato presented the troops with a Hammonton flag, and told them they had the support of the entire town. The Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department and the Verga Fire Department brought their tower ladder trucks to the intersection of Route 54 and Route 206, creating an arch from which an enormous American flag was suspended. With an escort of dozens of motorcycles, fire trucks and police vehicles, two coach buses filled with members of the 150th Engineer Company (Horizontal) went underneath the flag as traffic was stopped both ways on the White Horse Pike (Route 30) to let them pass. We noticed that a local officer who stopped traffic saluted the colors each time they rolled past on the back of a motorcycle. The motorcade was a sight that filled every person watching with emotion and pride for the people who are willing to put their lives in jeopardy to help protect and defend our country. It was another reminder of the great people that serve this country, and the fact is the country loves them, is proud of them, worries for them and looks forward to the moment they are home safe. As DiDonato said before they began their journey, Godspeed, 150th — Hammonton, and America, is with you.

to the editor:

Letters to the editor

I have had many proud moments as Mayor of Hammonton: the grand openings of NJM, AtlantiCare, Stockton College, and the many small businesses that have opened during my term, welcoming Governor Christie and Lieutenant Governor Guadagno to our town and the many ceremonies and services I have attended. But I can say without a doubt that my proudest day was this past Sunday when I had the great privilege of participating in a ceremony for reservists who are deploying to Afghanistan from Hammonton. I stood in front of more than 100 reservists of the 150th Engineering Company and many of their families and friends, and I was honored to present them with the flag of our town. More than 150 motorcycles, including

Hammonton’s police officers on motorcycle, led the caravan that included two fire trucks, many police cruisers, and two buses of soldiers down Egg Harbor Road to Bellevue Avenue. When the caravan reached Route 206, it passed under an American flag suspended from the extended ladders of two fire trucks on either side of the highway. This was truly a memorable event and an incredibly moving experience for all in attendance. 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