Winter 2006 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 the editor at:

NJDMAVA, PAO-V, PO Box 340,
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

Message from the Govenor

Ocean County Donation

Dear Veteran,

This year, for the first time as Governor, I took part in a Veterans’ Day ceremony at Doyle Cemetery. Afterwards, I had a chance to take a tour and I can tell you first hand, it truly is “a place of honor for those who served.” I am pleased to report that the cemetery’s much needed Administrative and Maintenance Complex will be completed before the first of the year, helping the facility’s dedicated staff more efficiently maintain this noble place of honor.

Veterans’ Day affords us the opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all veterans, especially those still among us. Of New Jersey’s 600,000 veterans, 180,000 served in World War II, and many of these distinguished residents are now well into their 80’s. These facts make it imperative that we complete the New Jersey World War II Memorial without delay. To that end, I signed an Executive Order on December 8 expanding the membership of the New Jersey World War II Commission.

The new members of the commission are prominent New Jersey citizens who will be able to greatly assist the veterans on the commission in their efforts to raise the remaining funds needed to begin construction. As you may know, a site directly across the street from the Statehouse had been selected for the memorial and both design and construction documents have been completed. It’s time to finish the job and build a memorial to these veterans who answered when their nation called.

Additionally, my administration recently opened a new wing at the Vineland Veterans Memorial Home, adding 153 new beds to the facility. Major General Glenn K. Rieth and Deputy Commissioner Steve Abel were on hand at the dedication, and pictures from the event are included in this issue.

Let me thank each and every New Jersey veteran for their service to our state and nation. I wish all of you and your families a joyous holiday season and only the best in the coming year.