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ARTICLES
Commander's Message
WWII Vet Turns 102
Veterans Day 11/11/24
Mets Honor Tom Jones
2023 State Convention
Memorial Day, 5/27/24 Veterans Day, 11/11/23
Project Freedom Plaza Vietnam Vets Memorial
Flag Retirement Cerme
Memorial Day 5/29/23
Honoring Those Served
Patriots Day 9/11/22
Memorial Day 5/30/22
Veterans Are Patriots
9/11 20th Anniversary MC Veterans Services
Veteran Peer Support
Veteran Hospitals
WWII Registry
Kiwanis Pantry donate
VA Records On-line
Military Funeral Service
Flag Retirement vc
VFW Eligibility
VFW Speakers
Commerative Bricks
Freedom Plaza
VOD - PP Program
MTTV MTHS Interview
Lazar School's Tribute
Buddy Poppy
When a Vet Dies
Adopt-A-Road
Donations
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
Montville Memorial Post 5481, 132 Changebridge Road, Montville, New Jersey 07045
About Post 5481
Montville Memorial Post 5481 was founded in 1970 with 34 members. Our current membership is 150+ veterans. By National Charter, membership is limited to those military personnel who served overseas in the arena of National Conflict. The Post's home is located at 132 Changebridge Road in Montville, New Jersey, at the entrance to the Community Center complex. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Post 5481 focuses on two issues; the first is to be good citizens in our home community by participating in its projects and activities, particularly in those areas of patriotism and where our military background can be utilized and the second is to provide aid and assistance to all military personnel, both veterans and those on active duty.
Who we are...
Some may not be aware, the VFW is a National non-profit organization comprised solely of active military and veterans who served in specified combat areas. Only those qualified may join. Whether you join us or not, you will always be a part of this organization...a brother (or sister)-in-arms.
The primary functions of the Post are to maintain a patriotic presence by reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by the select few and the ongoing bravery performed by our troops on a daily basis. Additionally, we counsel fellow veterans on their entitlements under various benefits offered to those who served. This is obtained through knowledge of provided programs and our decades of accumulated experiences.
Post 5481 needs new members with new ideas to sustain our effectiveness in being a leading force within our community. When Uncle Sam beckoned we replied and served with pride and honor, fulfilling our patriotic duty. Continue to serve...join the Post and be with your comrades once again. Although we no longer wear the uniform...we remain soldiers nevertheless...ready to serve, protect, and defend.
Post Home
Tank and Wall
Post Complex
.jpg "Combat Wounded Decoration")
Purple Heart
.jpg "Recycled mailbox use to collect worn-out flags")
Flag drop-box
debris 9/11 Towers
.jpg "Twin Towers pre 9/11/2001, complements of Steve Stross")
pre 9-11 Towers
.png "Original oleograph donated by Ron Galella, 'Paparazzi Extraordinare'")
Donated R. Galella
Commander Hanzl's Message
Post 5481 Commander Ken Hanzl, a Vietnam Veteran, wants to advise all veterans that our Post is here to serve you whether you are a member or not. We will do our best to support those who gave service to our country and remember those who have passed, with honor and dignity. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, especially by those of us who were in the fight and experienced it first-hand.
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World War II Veteran Turns 100 102
Our Post's own, Gerald Gemian, turned 100 102 on August 25 of this year. A long time member of this post who grew up in Paterson, NJ, and moved here in 1977. He enlisted in 1942 and served under Admiral Nimitz as a combat radio operator in close support of the Army and Marine assault forces in numerous combat sorties in the 'island-hopping' campaign of the Central Pacific. He attributed his survival and not being wounded to constantly being "on-the-move". His sense of humor and comedic repartee is always a part of his character. A true Patriot and honored veteran.
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Coming Events
Be patient... We're working on it...
Veterans Day , Nov 11th, 2024 - Community Center
Our annual ceremony was held on November 11th, 2024 at the Freedom Plaza site, outside at the Tank monument, another beautiful day in November. Guest speaker, Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham, Picitanny Arsenal Garrison Commander, aka Mayor of the facility, gave an informative commentary of the meaning of veterans and active military performance to an abundant crowd of over 300 guests. Also in attendance were a large contingency of Robert Lazar Middle School students accompinied by their teachers to witness the patriotic celebration of our past and present soldiers. Thank you all for attending.
click on photo for bio.
Click on poster for Zoom video with pass code !6Uu2FD&
The New York Mets selected WWII Navy veteran, Thomas Jones Jr., 98 years young, as 'Veteran of the Game' for this year's Mets Subway Series against the Yankees on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Tom was invited to attend the Mets home game and honored during the third inning with a standing ovation of 42,824 fans in attendance. He was presented the American flag that flew over Citi Field by the Mets pitcher, Sean Manaea, while the Citifield Jumbotron played a segment showcasing Tom’s achievements while serving in the Navy on the battle hardened aircraft carrier, Ticonderoga (CV 14), during the Pacific Campaign of WWII. Congratulations Tom, we are all greatful for your service to our country.
Thank you to the New York Mets for this honor which they have captured in the short video that can be played by clicking on this picture.
Flag Retitrement Ceremony - Saturday, June 15th, started at 10AM
Our annal flag retirement ceremony was held on Saturday, June 15th, at the Township Amphitheater behind the library. Worn-out flags that have passed their usefulness were disposed of under traditonal means according to specified code. Tattered flags were disposed of by ceremonial burning under the supervision of the Montville Fire Department with assistance of Trail Life Troop 777, of Trinity Baptist Church, Montville . Also giving assistance and support was Girl Scout Troop 98205 who led the 'Pledge of Allegiance'. Additionally, on-site were Montville Twsp First Aid Squad and members of the Montville Township Police Department. For future ceremonies and for your convenience, see 'US Flag Retirement Service' cited below or follow this link.
Trail Life Scouts and Girl Scout Troop assist in distruction ceremony with Montville Fire Chief Cook.
2024 VFW State Convention - District 10 and Post 5481...did it again.
The NJ State convention was held in Wildwood, NJ, from May 29th to June 1st. Attendees representing our District and Post repeated last year's accomplishments by being cited as 'All-State Post', Cmdr Ken Hanzl as 'All-State District Commander', Comdr Ken Hanzl as 'All-State Post Commander', and Qm Carl DeBacco as 'All-State Post Quartermaster'. In addition, our Post's Guard, Gerry Goodman, received the 'VFW National Emergency Medical Technician Award' for his decades of service as a Montville Township EMT. An impressive almost 50 years of service.
Four days of meetings and awards ended with a military style parade with flags, uniforms and military vehicles. Patriotism was strong within the ranks and participating public.
Memorial Day Ceremony - May 27th, 2024 - Echoes of Valor
Our annual celebration was held behind the VFW Post at 132 Changebridge Road and adjacent to the Vietnam Era tank. Our keynote speaker was Ms Laura Given, this year’s recipient of the Montville Memortial Post 5481 VFW Elementary School Teacher of the Year, who teaches at the Mountain Lakes Craig School in Mountain Lakes. Laura has been a dyslexia specialist and structured literacy teacher for more than 10 years. Her lessons include a passion for promoting civic responsibility and acknowledging those who have served in our armed forces. Here insights into her teaching skills and partiotism were inspirational to all.
An extraordinary woman pioneering women's advancement in a changing world. Lisa's biography can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Vietnam Veteran Eagle Scout Project Unveiling - October 28, 2023
Local Boy Scout Nicholas Ferrone from Troop 74 carried out his Eagle Scout Project that added a monument to the Freedom Plaza adjacent to the Vietnam era tank. The Veteran Memorial was dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War featuring a plaque atop a stone pedistal with wording commemorating the sacrifices of those who served. Nicholas worked with us throughout his project and is excited to make the community a better place to live. The donations presented were enough to complete the project and added honor to those veterans and to the existing monuments in the plaza. The unveiling on October 28th was attend by Scouts and public alike. Good job Nick. Click here to view the plaque.
Right: Mayor Matthew Kayne congratulating Eagle Scout Nicholas Ferrone for his efforts in bringing this project to fruition.
Far Right: Monument honoring Vietnam Vets.
UPDATE: The Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Troop 74, had the ceremony for Scout Ferrone on September 15th, 2024, where in he was presented with the Eagle Scout Award. Present among scouts, family and friends was Senior Vice-commander Jim Baut who presented Nick with a VFW Citation for his support of veterans in creating and implementing the Vietnam Memorial now present at the Freedom Plaza. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Nick Ferrone.
September 11th, 2023 - Twin Towers Memorial
The ceremorial service was held on a beautiful sunny day at the Freedon Plaza in conjunction with the Township of Montville and VFW. A multitude of participants were gathered to honor those who perished on 9-11-2001 as well as honoring those on Flight 103 on 12-21-1988, Lockerbie, Scotland. As the usual, patriotism was paramont with Color Guard procession, patriotic songs, and poignant speeches of local dignitaries and the warm and heartful rememberance of the James Martello family, who had perished in Tower 1. The monument was unveiled to the public and now represents the totality of that event as an addition to the piece of structure already on site. We shall forever remember that day as the attack upon our sovereignty.
The price of freedom is too often sacrificed by the innocent at their peril. We choose to remember them with honor and dignity.
2023 VFW State Convention - Accolades to District 10 and Post 5481
The NJ State convention was held in Wildwood, NJ, from June 14th to the 17th. Representing our Post and District was District and Post Commander Ken Hanzl. Numerous citations and accolades were bestowed upon our Post, District 10 (Morris County), and township teacher...VFW Department of NJ 'Teacher of the Year Award' to Richard Crescente, Jr, of Robert R. Lazar Middle School. Awards were presented to District 10 as 'All-State District' and to us as 'All-State Post', in addition to our Quartermaster, 'All-State Post Quartermaster'. We are very proud of all the achievements and congratulate the noteworthy efforts of everyone involved.
All-State District
Presentation of award
.jpg "Richard Crescente (award in hand) with Commander Ken Hanzl")
Richard C. & Comdr Hanzl
All-State Post
All-State Quartermaster
On September 19th, 2023, Mr. Crescente was presented with a VFW National Citation: 2022-2023 VFW Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award personally honoring him and presented by Post Commander Hanzl at the Board of Education meeting. Also presented was a National Education in Citizenship Award citing Robert R Lazar Middle School individually and was so presented to Lazar School representative Assistant Principal John Piselli.
US Flag Retirement Ceremony - June 3rd, 2023
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Click on this flag to better understand the history and meaning of our honored National symbol.
The Post conducted its second Flag Retirement Ceremony on Juine 3rd at 10:00am, at the pavilion just opposite the Montville Township Amphitheater. Commander Ken Hanzl presided over the ceremony. Insights on the creation and meaning of our national symbol were offered by Trail Life Scouts as well as the ritual designated for the destruction of our flag by Commander Hanzel. Participants included a large contingent from the Trail Life Troop NJ 0777, Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 98205, and Girl Scout Troop 97539 who provided guidence for singing our National Anthem. Patriotic flag related entertainment was provoided by our own Nick Sisco. The ceremonial flag burning was conducted under the supervision of the Montville Township Fire Departments with assistance of the combined scout troops. Note: This ceremony will become a yearly event to honor the retirement of our worn-out symbols of freedom. Stay posted for upcoming schedule.
Memorial Day Ceremony - May 29th, 2023
Memorial Day celebration was held at the Community Park on Monday, May 29th as scheduled. The event was both solemn and joyful. Well over 300 citizens crowded the tank ceremonial site to remember all those who sacrificed their lives in the cause of liberty. In attendence were elected officials, local residents, Township First Aid Squad, Police Officers, and representatives of the 3 Fire Districts. Keynote speeker, his Excelency General George Washington with his white horse, Blueskin, advanced to the podium preceded by an honor escort of Montville Township High Schoolers playing fife and drum and followed by Police Explorer Post 805 cadets. General Washington offered insights as to his command of the Continental Army and the sacrifices and hardships his troops suffered in the establishment of this nation. He brought forth his remembrances of the cost of democracy and first-hand exploits and assured the audience that Republic will continue to endure. The gathering was impressed and later commented on his poignant message. The attendees also experienced a fly-over at tree-top level by a WWII T-34 Navy Trainer provided by Coast Guard Floatilla 10-01 out of Lincoln Park. Our thanks to the pilot and ground coordinator. As in the past, our Post has been actively involved in keeping our patriotic heritage alive and strong within our community.
Click photo for GW speech
Click for Anthem & flyover
Honoring All Who Served - November 11th, 2022
Veterans Day Ceremonial Service was held on Friday, Novenber 11th, at 11:00AM, in the Community Center to pay tribute and "Honor All Who Served". After the usual ceremonial proceedings and Invocation by Rev. Mark Olenowski, the Pledge Of Allegance was led by VFW Post WWII Veterans Gerry Gemian and Tom Jones. Keynote speaker for the event was Sgt. Faegis Adlam, stationed at Picatinny Arsenal. Her insights were inspiring and poignant. Special recognition was made for Vietnam Vet Guillermo Cabrera (deceased), rifle salute fired after taps, and patriotic songs sung by all. Click on graphic for video.
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Veterans are Proven Patriots - Veterans Day - November 11, 2021
The Ceremony this year was more in-tune with the 'norm' due to the relaxed Covid restrictions. The in-person celebrants numbered over 200 with several zoomed in from around the country. Commander Ken Hanzl presided over the ceremony and introduced the dignitaries in attendance as well as John Elliott, CBS New York, who covered the ceremony for Channel 2 News. Patriotic songs were sung by our own, 'Alus', and Nick Sisco. Each branch of the service was honored under their theme song, wreaths placed by first responders, taps played and rifles fired for those brothers and sisters who never returned, and a lone fly-over by the Coast Guard Flotilla 10-01. Honor, Respect and Dignity was abundant with those in attendance. It was our honor to serve.
We were honored to have two keynote speakers; first was State Senator Joe Pennacchio who gave an insightful and poignant speech, and the second was local citizen George Nader, who related his experience as a youth in Beirut, Lebanon, surviving the embassy bombing in 1983. Both speeches well worth your time.
We were honored to have two keynote speakers; first was State Senator Joe Pennacchio who gave an insightful and poignant speech, and the second was local citizen George Nader, who related his experience as a youth in Beirut, Lebanon, surviving the embassy bombing in 1983. Both speeches well worth your time.
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Click on Graphic for Video
Memorial Day - May 30th, 2022
Our Post wished to celebrate our comrades who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those who have died since serving. They all served to protect our freedoms and our extraordinary way of life. This year we paid tribute to our Gold Star Families and the sacrifices they endure throughout the year while we honor their memory only on this day. With pride, honor and humility we offered this tribute to those who have answered duty's call. Included in our ceremony was a Honor Fly-over of a WWII vintage Navy T-34 trainer courtesy of US Coast Guard Flotilla 10-1 out of Lincoln Park. We will never forget.
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9/11 Memorial Service - 20th Anniversary - September 11, 2021
Saturday September 11th, 2021 at 11am, Montville Township conducted a Commemorative 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the attacks on the NYC World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93. Attendees gathered in overwhelming numbers crowding the Freedom Plaza to honor our fallen citizens and remember the carnage that occurred on September 11, 2001. Our Post Commander, Ken Hanzl, presided over the ceremony. In attendance were State, County, and local dignitaries along with members of the Montville Township Police Department, the Montville, Towaco, and Pine Brook Fire Departments, and Montville Township First Aid Squad. Remembrances were voiced by those who were active during that terrible event. Former Mayor John Rosellini and Former Police Chief Edward Adams described their actions as events happened that day. Wreaths were placed, a bell chimed as names were read, and flowers were placed in solemn respect for the people who died. Patriotic songs were sung by Township resident, Nick Sisco. Also mentioned were the thirteen soldiers in Afghanistan who were the latest to die two weeks earlier. Hearing their names reminded us that terror continues today. The event was solemn and respectful for those innocent souls who were taken without warning. Those of us who personally experienced the events of 9-11 were given a deeper connection to what had transpired. No matter your age or if born after that tragic day, such ceremonies will always remind us of what terrorism can do.
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Cherished oleograph presented to the post by the late Ron Galella, 'Paparazzo Extraordinaire'. Video here.
Donation to Kiwanis Food Pantry
Commander Hanzl presenting the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry with a $1,100 VFW Post 5481 check to Kiwanis members, left to right: Larry Hines, Danielle Mangione-Vasser, and Dean Driscoll. Donation represents funds collected from Post members at our monthly meeting. Serving the comumnity is what we all do.
US Flag Retirement Service
Our National Flag is an important and honored symbol of who we are and what we stand for. It has preceded our soldiers in battle and decorates our homes to display to all our pride of country and support for our troops. When such a symbol becomes worn, tattered, or damaged beyond use, it is necessary to retire those colors and treat them with the respect that befits such a great symbol. The United States Flag Code states:"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." The Flag Code does not actually give specifics on how to destroy the flag. Common sense should be used to make sure the procedure is in good taste and shows no disrespect for the flag. To that end, the Post has established an American Flag Disposal Box, an old recycled red-white-blue mailbox, at the rear of the Post home at 132 Changebridge Road, where citizens may bring their old flags for destruction according to strict protocol. We will then periodically perform a Flag Retirement Ceremony to manage that end.
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VFW Eligibility and Application
Montville Memorial VFW Post 5481 continues to embark on a membership drive. If you served overseas during a wartime period, and would be interested in joining our Post, please call Membership Chair Ken Hanzl at 973-214-2505 or email at vfwpost5481@gmail.com. The fundamental difference between our organization and other veterans' organizations is our eligibility qualification...assigned to active duty in designated conflict areas. We welcomes all who meet our eligibility criteria.
If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you're eligible to join our ranks. Contact us to determine if you qualify or check your eligibility by Checking Eligibility here. Eligibility.
You don't have to be a Township resident to belong to our Post. We have active members from Washington State to Florida who connect via Zoom. Join us. Click here for application.
If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you're eligible to join our ranks. Contact us to determine if you qualify or check your eligibility by Checking Eligibility here. Eligibility.
You don't have to be a Township resident to belong to our Post. We have active members from Washington State to Florida who connect via Zoom. Join us. Click here for application.
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Freedom Plaza
The Veterans Commemorative Wall has been combined with the Township Memorial now known collectively as Freedom Plaza. The Plaza was dedicated on September 11th, 2004, to the everlasting memory of those who have fallen in the defense of our country and to all of those who perished in the attack on America - September 11th, 2001. The centerpiece to the Plaza is the section of structure obtained from the Twin Towers rubble. Adjacent to the Plaza and behind the Post Building is the military honor wall and pathway that flanks the M60 Vietnam era Army Tank. The Wall is composed of bricks inscribed with names and personal remembrances of living or deceased veterans or those from their family members. We urge that you visit the Plaza and Wall and pay silent homage to those who made personal sacrifices in the furtherance of our freedom.
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Piece of Twin Towers Structure
Newly added 9-11 Monument
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Freedom Plaza Memorial Site
Vietnam era Tank and Memorial Wall
Montville Township High School Media Class Honors WWII Veterans
The MTTV class of the Montville Township High School interviewed two of our eldest Post members about their experiences during their involvement in the Pacific Theater of Operation of WWII. Sgt. Gerry Gemian was a combat radio operator assigned altrenately to the Army and Marine land forces during the island hoping campaign and Medical Corpsman Tom Jones who served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV14) during the Pacific campaign. Their question and answer interview was recorded in November 2022.
Click MTTV MTHS logo for YouTube interview.
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Buddy Poppy Program
The poppy is the official memorial flower of the VFW. In the spring of 1915 a Canadian doctor Lt. John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in the battle-scarred fields to write the poem "In Flanders Fields." After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance. Today, it is also a means of fundraising for the VFW. The Buddy Poppy Program has helped the VFW live up to its motto "...to honor the dead by helping the living."
Access Buddy Poppy Poem here... In Flanders Fields.
Here's how our Australian brothers pay tribute to their fallen warriors on the "Roll of Honour" and "War Dog" memorials.
Australia Honour here.
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.jpg "memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars")