Princeton’s All Wars Memorial Monument was the site of the town’s 2019 Veteran’s Day ceremony.
School children, residents and veterans gathered around the monument on Nov. 11 to honor and recognize all those who have served in America’s military.
“Veterans Day is important to the community. Princeton played a pivotal part in the Revolutionary War, but people in Princeton have been significant players in every conflict this country has faced,” said Mark Freda, co-chair of the Spirit of Princeton. “The point of today is that the community comes together and says thank you to the men and women who have served.”
He said it is critical to acknowledge and recognize veterans.
“They deserve that recognition and respect,” Freda proclaimed.
The ceremony also highlighted the restoration of the All Wars Monument at the corner of Mercer Street and Nassau Street. The monument’s bench and medallion were cleaned, along with the masonry being repaired on the bench and steps.
“The restoration of this monument is a wonderful story of multiple agencies and private groups working together to honor our veterans and that makes today’s ceremony extra special,” Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert said. “On Veteran’s Day we honor all who have served in uniform including the soldiers who are currently deployed today. Less than 1% of the population today serves in the military. Sadly, a small number of Americans have the enormous burden of keeping all of us safe and too often we are not providing the support they need to heal when they return home. We must never forget their sacrifices and service.”
She said citizens owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed their youth, precious time with their families, and in some cases their lives.
“Today is the day we take a pause to thank all of the veterans who have worn the cloth of our nation to serve on behalf of the rest of their citizens; to stand for our constitution which gives every citizen rights, not only here in America but abroad as well,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick Kennedy.
Kennedy was the keynote speaker of the event.
“I hope people take away an appreciation for those who raised their right hand and served their country. They made some personal sacrifices,” Kennedy said. “Today is, unlike Memorial Day, where we recognize those we have lost. These individuals have put themselves at the same level of risk and this is just a way to say thank you. At times we seem to be very divisive, it is our veterans who pull us all together. They put themselves in harms way, it is important that our nation takes that pause.”
He said it was an easy choice for him to decide to serve his country.
“I come from a family that serves. It is like a family business to us. It is just a real honor to be able to do it,” Kennedy said.
Bob Sworzick, a Princeton veteran who served in the Navy, said everyone should think about joining the service.
“For me personally, it is great to see the people out here celebrating the veterans and what we did for the country. To see the school children out here and other groups out here celebrating this wonderful day for the veterans was great,” Sworzick said. “Service was great for me; I enjoyed it. I met a lot of people and traveled as being a part of the Navy. It was a great opportunity for me.”
