Page 4 • Wednesday , November 16 , 2022 • The Hammonton Gazette
Town ’ s Veterans Day ceremony held Nov . 11 at HMS
VETERANS , from Page 1 lives to ensure our freedom ,” De- Lucca said .
After the presentation of colors , DAV Commander Larry Adair led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance , after which the Rev . Eliot DeNick , of Hammonton Baptist Church , gave the invocation .
“ We gather here tonight to honor the men and women , the veterans , of our armed forces that have given of their time and talents to stand for the freedoms we enjoy . We also remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for the cause of freedom . Let this service in word and music be a solemn tribute to these heroes ,” DeNick said .
The guest speaker for the ceremony was John Amendolia III , whom DeLucca introduced .
“ He attended sniper school training , was deployed to Iraq from February 2010 to October of 2010 ; his current rank is E-7 Master Sergeant . He is a member of the 177th Tactical Fighter Wing and is employed in Hammonton as a police officer ,” DeLucca said .
Amendolia said that veterans come from varying backgrounds , religions and ethnicities and have different values and principles , but all share one common factor .
“ Many have not done what these people have , but all have gained from their sacrifice ,” Amendolia said .
Amendolia said that veterans have “ fought in many wars for many years in different terrains and countries .”
“ They ’ ve left their homes and loved ones behind to protect what we as Americans cherish the most : our freedom . Some never returned ; they made the ultimate sacrifice for this country with their life . There are some who do return home physically , but are never fully able to escape the memory of war . Veterans do or see many things that a large percentage of people in this country cannot imagine , yet they continue to bear the burden of war ,” Amendolia said .
Amendolia shared a recollection from September 11 , 2001 , when he was in seventh grade . He said that watching the attack on live television filled him with both anger and pride .
“ I was proud to watch as people came together as one , and even more proud watching the men and women in uniform board planes to bring justice to those responsible for this attack on American soil and protect our freedom . I truly learned that day how lucky I was to be an American ,” Amendolia said .
Amendolia said that he was 23 when he served in Iraq in 2010 , and that he is still an active guardsman after 15 years .
“ I ’ ve missed many family events , as well as holidays , due to
missions and training . I personally have spent extended periods of time away and have witnessed and experienced the emotional impact it has on the troops and their families . When a military member is away , they are not the only ones serving our country , as family members also pay that price ,” Amendolia said .
It is the duty of every American , Amendolia said , to honor veterans by exercising “ our freedoms and rights as Americans .”
“ We can do this by voting , volunteering and speaking out for what is just in our very own communities , or — most importantly — by teaching our children what it truly means to be an American . On this day especially , may we always remember how special it is for all of us , as we talk towards tomorrow , still honoring them by living in the freedom they protected ,” Amendolia said .
Councilman Steven Furgione was also among the speakers at the event . Furgione noted several conflicts across the globe , particularly in Ukraine , and said that the
See CEREMONY , Page 19