Fall 2008 Edition NJDMAVA Veterans

About NJ Veteran Journal:
The New Jersey Veteran Journal is an official publication of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and is intended to serve New Jersey's veterans, their families, friends and concerned individuals and groups. All correspondence should be sent to:

Veteran Journal Editor, NJDMAVA/PA, PO Box 340,
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

Message from the Governor

Message from the Governor
Governor Jon S. Corzine addresses the Soldiers of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard during a New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve sponsored visit to Fort Bliss, Texas on August 1. The Governor visited the troops as they trained in preparation to deploy to Iraq. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.

Dear Veterans,

It was a year ago in Veterans Journal I made a commitment that a World War II Memorial would be dedicated on Veterans Day 2008. I am pleased to be able to invite the veterans’ community to share in the celebration of the Greatest Generation at 2:30 p.m. this Veterans Day.

For the past several months, I could look from the windows of the Statehouse and see the progress being made every day. A little used open space is being transformed into a much deserved lasting expression of our respect and gratitude.

Of the approximately 545,000 veterans who live in our state, nearly 30 percent served in World War II, which is about double the average percentage of other states. After their service in battle, these men and women returned and helped transform America.

As we dedicate this memorial, another group of New Jerseyans are making history as the largest Army National Guard deployment from this state since World War II. The nearly 3,000 Citizen-Soldiers are currently serving in Iraq and will return to join you as veterans, in the tradition of service to state and nation that is so important to the American way of life.

I know all veterans and service organizations across the state will rally to support these troops and their families. The home front heroes, the spouses and children, the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, will all be looking at the community to stand behind them during this year long deployment.

Even though the dedication is only days away, we still need to continue the fund raising efforts for the World War II Memorial. This lasting tribute still needs the financial support of every veteran and citizen of this state.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have already given, especially the World War II veterans, and encourage those of you who may not yet have been able to contribute. With so much that our World War II veterans have given to us, this is the least that we can give to them; and it is the best we can give to our children and grandchildren as an example of the kind of love of country and community that sustains and enhances us through generations.