Gorgeous weather greeted all who traveled to the dedication of Neptune’s Veterans Memorial Park Dedication. While the park was not completed, it was decided to keep the date of Veterans Day to show honor to all our veterans.
Here is the message from Gold Star Mother, Bernadette Sherman, who closed the day’s program.
“Good afternoon, my name is Bernadette Sherman and I am a Gold Star Mother. On February 3rd, 2005, two soldiers came to my door and changed my life forever. My eldest son, Stephen had been killed in action in Mosul, Iraq. At that moment, my family, friends and I joined the thousands of others who throughout the history of this great country have experienced the crushing blow of learning that their loved one would not be coming home.
In early 2011 some caring and wonderful Neptune friends joined me in seeking out a manner by which we could honor those brave souls. Our research thus far revealed that since our country has embarked in battles, 69 Neptune residents have made the ultimate sacrifice. Two of these were from the Civil War. Through the efforts of Neptune Township Committee, our dedicated committee and some very generous donors, we have turned this historic piece of land, once the Wardell Dairy, into a memorial to these heroes.
And so, today, we dedicate and consecrate this park, not only to our fallen loved ones but to every broken heart they left behind. St. Augustine said, “The purposed of all war is peace.” We all hope that someday there will peace on earth but until then perhaps some peace may be found for some here amounts the monuments and flags. To all those who know the ache of an empty chair at the table, I feel your pain and I bless you. To those who helped us suffer this pain, we thank you and appreciate you.
Thank you again for attending our dedication and for supporting this effort. Thank you to all the veterans here. Now please join us in having a bit of refreshment .
God bless you and God bless our heroes.”