As Veterans Day, November 11th approaches, I ask all Ocean County residents to join me in remembering those brave men and women that have worn, and continue to wear, the uniforms of the United States Armed Forces.

First celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, Veterans Day now honors all American Veterans from the Revolutionary War thru the ongoing War on Terror.

For nearly 250 years our veterans have fought and sacrificed in the name of freedom. Since their inception, our United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Merchant Marine services have been a force for liberation.

Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines haven been tasked not only with protecting our nation, but with freeing other countries from tyranny.

In the history of the world, no armed forces have played such an important role in bringing freedom to others. We as Americans should take great pride in our fighting men and women.

And the fight for freedom continues even today.

We now have more than 5,300 troops in Iraq, fighting against the evil Islamic terrorists of ISIS. Our young men and women are also playing a vital role in suppressing tyranny in Syria.

From the Persian Gulf to North Korea, our United States military is prepared to protect our interests, and the interests of our friends and allies around the globe.

And our military stands ready, no matter whom or what the enemy may be.

In late 2014 Army personnel, with assistance from Navy Seabees and Marines, were sent to West Africa to fight a killer, a killer more threatening and more unpredictable than any terrorist group.

Nearly 2,700 of our troops from the elite 101st Airborne Division, a veteran of Normandy and countless other battles, this time fought not against a nation or group, but against a disease – Ebola.

They brought with them the equipment and the expertise to fight an epidemic and save countless lives. For four months they defended against an enemy they could not see. But they could see the effects of the deadly outbreak as whole communities were ravaged by the disease.

As they have so many times in the past, our men and women placed themselves in harm’s way so others might be safe.

Again I invite all of our residents to pause for a moment or two on Friday, November 11th to remember those who have served and those who continue to serve today.

I also invite everyone to attend the annual Toms River Veteran’s Day Parade along Main Street to Washington Streets and Town Hall.

Please note that because of school holidays, the parade has been rescheduled for Monday, November 14 beginning at 9:30 am.

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