NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Citizens couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for a ceremony to honor those who served in Vietnam. On Sunday, November 8, 2009, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held a dedication ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park to remember all of those who gave their lives to protect the rights of the free. The ceremony took place at 2:00 p.m. near the Veterans Memorial Park Clock and featured guest speakers. All of those in attendance shared special moments as the brave men who served our country received certificates and a special hat pin from the VFW.  Click here to view a video clip of the ceremony.

Nicholas Perillo, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #190 in New Providence, spoke at the event and was in charge of the day’s festivities. Mr. Perillo, along with other members of the VFW, shared stories and memories of the veterans. The Color Guard, along with the Fraternal Order of Police in New Providence, served as flag bearers for the event.

After the event, Mr. Perillo spoke about the ceremony in general: "This was our Vietnam War Memorial Dedication and we had a great turnout of Vietnam Veterans. Quite a few were unable to make it; we had over 100 scheduled," said Perillo. "Mayor Thoms, Mayor Morgan and Julie McDermott all spoke today."

When asked what was most special to him about the day, Mr. Perillo explained: "To see the faces of these Vietnam Veterans who are finally being recognized for their service and when I see their faces when they were called, that was more then enough for me!"

Several guest speakers, among them Mayor Thoms, a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, all spoke about what it meant to be at the special event and the significance of the dedication ceremony. 

The event featured a 21 gun salute and a taps roll call also took place after a few moments of silence. Maria Lopez, a vocalist, then sang "Amazing Grace."

Mrs. Lopez spoke after the event about being involved at the ceremony: "It’s quite an honor. I actually have the honor and the pleasure to do this every year [on] Veterans Day at the memorial dedication," said Lopez. "My husband was honored today at the event, Pete Lopez."

"It was a quite a touching event. We had over 100 Vietnam-Era Veterans that we honored here today and we dedicated our Vietnam Veterans Memorial to them.  It was a very touching scene," said Mayor Thoms. "Probably in this country, the vets were not given the honor and respect that they deserve at the time of their service. It took America many years to come to the conclusion that they did serve with honor and we’re very grateful for that."

After the ceremony, the veterans were all given certificates of appreciation and shown the respect they all deserve. A party with refreshments was held at the Paca Club after the ceremony and all attendees were invited to celebrate the beautiful memorial. Cpl. William Cucco, US Army Infantry, served from ’51 to ’52 in Korea and was on hand for the dedication. "It was beautiful, and Nick (Perillo) did a great job! He puts on a one-man show," said Cucco. "They did a lot of work for the event.  [Nick] is our Commander of the event and I am the Quartermaster and we work [well] together." said Cucco.  Click here to view a video clip of the ceremony. 

Anyone interested in visiting the memorial can visit Veterans Memorial Park on South Street in New Providence, a few blocks from the Library and the Municipal Building.