Thomas M. McHugh, N.J. State Commander of the Korean War Veterans Association, as well as Gary Englert, Director of Veterans Services at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs addressed an audience filled with members of various New Jersey veterans organizations and those who were there to honor those who served. William A. Rakestraw, National Executive Committee member for the American Legion spoke of the trials and hardships endured by those who served in the Korean War. As part of the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Abel presented 15 New Jersey Korean War Service Medals.
Since last year’s ceremony, fifty additional New Jersey service members who were killed during the Korean Conflict have been identified. Their names, which have been added to the memorial, were also honored during the ceremony.