NJDMAVA Seal

MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
NEWS RELEASE

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Kelly Watts
732-335-0033
RELEASE:
IMMEDIATE (September 13, 2000)
NJ Vietnam Veterans Prisoner of War, Missing in Action 
and Gold Star Mothers Recognition Ceremony
WHO:         Keynote Speaker Professor Harry J. Gaynor, Former Prisoner of War Michael L. Warner, Deputy Commissioner for Veteran Affairs, NJDMAVA
Rahway High School MC-Jr. ROTC Drill Team
Monmouth County Police Pipes and Drums 
Anna Biber, Past National President, American Gold Star Mothers 
Chaplin Joseph Formola, NJ State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America
  WHAT:       Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day 2000 

WHEN:       Friday, September 15, 2000 at 11:00 AM

WHERE:     New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial located on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ (Garden State Parkway exit 116)

 DETAILS: Professor Harry J. Gaynor, a former Prisoner of War, is currently the Chairman and CEO of the American Trauma Forensic Institute in West Caldwell, New Jersey. Gaynor’s life is based on three promises he made while in the U.S. Army during World War II. He promised his mother he would be home for Christmas which gave him the strength and courage to escape the POW camp with two of his fellow prisoners, one who died during the escape. He also promised to visit the Rumanians who helped him after he escaped, which he did in August 1966. His third promise was to make a difference, to help another human being in need.

Gaynor founded and was the president of the National Burn Victim Foundation where he distinguished himself in the forensics, teaching and implementation of services for burn victims and the children of abuse, before retiring. He has also been recognized by the New Jersey State Senate, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, The New Jersey Jaycees, The Maxwell House Corporation and the Who’s Who Worldwide Directory for his public service.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is open 24 hours, 7 days. The Vietnam Era Educational Center, located adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, will be open Friday, September 15, 10 AM - 4 PM.

NJ Home PageNJDMAVA Home Page