Eagle Scout Dedicates Benches for Armed Forces at Veterans Day Ceremony [PHOTOS]

At today’s Veterans Day Ceremony at Bicentennial Park, Eagle Scout Matthew Moeller dedicated three benches to all those who have served in the armed forces.

“After Memorial Day, after the parade was over, and we were standing for the ceremonies, I noticed that all the men and woman who fought their whole lives to make ours free were standing around with no where to sit,” Moeller said.

Moeller, a member of Troop 56, has participated in Memorial Day parades. After this year’s parade, he built three benches with insignias of every branch of the military as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The benches are “so those who risked their lives can sit and rest,” he said.

“Hopefully in the near future, our men and woman fighting overseas will return home and take a seat in these benches as well,” he said.

More than 75 residents attended the Veterans Day ceremony, which was run by American Legion Post 517.

“We remember how men and woman set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nations cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving their precious American heritage,” Bernie Novack said.

Members of the township committee were also at the ceremony. Mayor Gary Quinn thanked all generations of veterans who have protected our democracy, freedom and way of life, he said.

“Those who afford to keep freedom safe in America and the veterans who afford to extend that freedom around the world,” he said. “We all know freedom doesn’t come without a price and today we are here to pay tribute to the brave men and woman who have answered the call of duty and who have stepped up and paid that price.”

Bruce Baker, a recent recipient of the Marine of the Year Award, also spoke.

“Veterans, whether men or woman, are protecting our country. Without them, who knows where this country would be,” he said. “A veteran is a veteran is a veteran. Showing our support is just something we have to do.”

Residents’ of all ages held flags, bowed their heads and applauded for those who have served our country.

“I want my kids to know we live in a special country,” Elisabeth Henwood of Lanoka Harbor said. “We have to recognize those who help keep this country the way that it is.”