Community Corner

Galloway Township Celebrates Veterans Day

Master of Ceremonies Ike Rucker was surprised with a Certification of Achievement.

Ike Rucker thought he was just going to be the master of ceremonies for Galloway Township's Veterans Day celebration at the municipal complex Friday morning, Nov. 11.

There was one aspect of the program he couldn't quite figure out.

"I don't really know a lot about this, so I don't have a lot to say," said Rucker as he prepared to sit down.

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"You're not supposed to," said Herb Davis, of the Veterans Adivsory Board, before asking Rucker to stand up and accept the recognition.

Rucker was surprised as he listened to Davis speak about how he is the only veteran from Galloway Township to be recognized by Gov. Chris Christie, as well as his achievements over the years.

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(Video of this presentation is attached to the story, along with a performance by the Absegami High School choir.)

Rucker made sure to remind everyone what Veterans Day is supposed to be about.

"Over the week, for Veterans Day, we've gone to six schools," Rucker said of the Galloway Township Veterans Advisory Board. "It's a great opportunity to get out there and meet the young people. We went to Arthur Rann School, and one the students told me hsi older brother had just joined the Marines. I said what about you, and he said he was gonna join, too. We go out there and we promote patriotism and we like to see the results of it."

Rucker comes from a family that has dedicated itself to fighting for America, including his great grandfather, who fought in the Civil War.

"I know everyone here has a forefather or a family member they want to honor. Today, we're here to honor them all," Rucker said.

"Today's not about a day off from school or a day off from work," Mayor Don Purdy said. "It's about supporting the veterans. Veterans fill our community and they don't get appreciated as much as they should. Most of the veterans today signed up because of their own free will. We have to remember that everything we have is because of the veterans who serve this country."

District 9 Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove was also in attendance and presented a legislative resolution to the advisory board.

"It's an honor for Galloway to recognize those who protect our freedoms every day," Gove said.

Jim Craine sang the national anthem and Galloway Township Middle School Student Council representatives Robert Dicesare and Vice President Daniel Hershman presented the wreath for the event. Joseph Ward performed "Taps."


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