BERGEN COUNTY HONORS LOCAL HEROES DURING MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH CEREMONY
HACKENSACK, NJ – On Friday, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco joined the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, local veterans, students, and community members for the County’s annual Military Appreciation Month Ceremony on the Piazza at One Bergen County Plaza.
The ceremony featured a presentation of colors and 3-gun volley by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, performances by the Wallington High School Marching Band, a poetry reading by U.S. Air Force Veteran and Teaneck Poet Laureate Scott Pleasants, and a keynote address by U.S. Army Veteran Robin Bartlett.
As part of the ceremony, County Executive Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners presented Military Service Medals to nine local veterans, including one posthumous honoree:
Petty Officer First Class Esther Chucaralao – U.S. Navy
E4 Specialist Lucy Del Gaudio – U.S. Army
Petty Officer 3rd Class William Espinoza – U.S. Navy
Corporal Carlos Feliciano – U.S. Marine Corps
Master Sergeant Larry Mantilla – U.S. Army
Petty Officer 3rd Class Lamarr Thomas – U.S. Navy
Sergeant Camilo Vanegas – U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Phillip Warren – U.S. Air Force
Specialist William Mulligan – U.S. Army (posthumously honored)
County Executive Tedesco praised the honorees and reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting veterans and military families:
“Since day one, we’ve made it a priority to give back to those who’ve given so much to this country,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Military service is one of the highest forms of public service, and Bergen County will always stand behind our veterans—not just with words, but with real support and action.”
Commissioner Germaine M. Ortiz, who delivered the ceremony’s closing remarks, added:
“Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect on the courage and commitment of our veterans, but also to honor the families who stand behind them,” said Commissioner Ortiz. “Here in Bergen County, we are proud to show our gratitude not just through recognition—but through meaningful action that supports our service members every day of the year.”
This year’s keynote speaker was Robin Bartlett, a Vietnam War combat veteran who served as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 1st Cavalry Division from 1968–69. A decorated veteran, Bartlett is the author of Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History, an award-winning memoir detailing both the harrowing and human moments of his service. Bartlett now serves as President of the NY/NJ Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and lives in Norwood.
The program also included an invocation and benediction by local chaplains and a moment of silence for fallen service members, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action.
Photo Caption: County Executive presenting the Bergen County service medal to US Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lamarr Thomas
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