Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden hosted the Patriot’s Pride ceremony on Dec. 7, the 75th anniversary of Japan’s attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that launched the United States into World War II.
The event honored men and women of the armed forces, particularly employees of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Monmouth County’s municipal and county law enforcement agencies, according to a press release.
The program was led by Golden, New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs and the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association. It was attended by more than 100 people and included law enforcement officials and members of the armed forces throughout Monmouth County, according to the press release.
“I am honored to co-host this ceremony on the day our nation remembers those who gave so much during the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Golden said. “It is vital that we continue to provide support and a strong commitment to our citizen soldiers in the National Guard and Reserve, especially when engaged in responding to emergencies on the homefront or deployed oversees in service of their country. They sacrifice everything to keep us safe and it is our duty to our nation to strongly support them and their family members.”
ESGR coordinates these events throughout New Jersey and works with employers in an effort to support and value the military service of its employees and to ensure that reservists and National Guard members can return to their jobs from active duty, according to the press release.
During the ceremony, Distinguished Service Medals from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs were presented to veterans from the sheriff’s office.
Golden, whose agency currently has 18 active members of the military, along with members of Neptune and Ocean Township police departments, received ESGR awards for their support of the National Guard and Reserves, according to the press release.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to veterans who did not serve in a combat theater, but served New Jersey honorably during their military service.
In addition, 49 police departments in Monmouth County have signed a statement of support for the National Guard and Reserve which symbolizes a show of solidarity for members of the armed forces in their departments, according to the press release.
While performing military service, Monmouth County employees receive full pay for 90 days and, after that time, they receive the difference in pay between the employee’s regular earnings and the military base pay for active duty.
Families continue to maintain health benefits and the sheriff’s office actively supports families who have to endure hardships when their loved ones are away, according to the press release.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Golden unveiled the new Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Wall of Heroes, which includes names of all known department veterans and present members of the armed forces.
