The events surrounding the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center didn’t dramatically increase the number of people at this year’s Veteran’s Day ceremonies in Town Hall on Nov. 11. In Secaucus, such events have always been well-attended. But the tragedy in New York City and America’s subsequent war on terrorism in Afghanistan left participants in a sober mood, especially when they discovered three Secaucus police officers have been called up to active duty in the military, and other residents may see action before the war concludes.
Of the nearly 100 people who attended Sunday’s ceremony, most were veterans or family members associated with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion Posts. Most wore uniforms, and those that didn’t bore small American flags, red, white and blue ribbons or clothing decorated with those colors.
Many – but not all – were in their sixties and seventies, part of that loyal contingent of patriotic supporters who have come here year after year to honor those who fought for their country.
While time, according to Al McClure, commander of VFW Post 3776, has lessened the number of people who regularly attend, people have consistently attended veterans-related events over the years.
In a moving speech, John DeLizzio, commander of the American Legion Post 118, talked about his and other veterans’ reactions to the circumstances surrounding the World Trade Center disaster. The speech was in the form of a letter to the terrorists, detailing the new resolve the attack spurred in Americans, as he perceived it.
"You thought to tear us apart, but instead, you brought us together," DeLizzio said. He admitted that Americans were "a vast quarrelsome family," but said that under attack, they became a force to be reckoned with.
"You think [you will] make us weak, but we are strong," he said.
McClure said the nation has been united in a new way and that the attacks – the worst on American soil since Pearl Harbor – have caused Americans to wake up.
"Remember, every day we stand united," he said.
Some of Secaucus’ own will serve
Perhaps the hardest part was the knowledge that three police officers had already been called to active duty. George A. Sikaffy, 31,a specialist in air refueling, took off on Sept. 15 for Andrews Airbase as part of the 89th Military Police Unit. Sikaffy also had served in Desert Storm. Sgt. Kevin Carpenter, 42, who served as the town’s DARE officer for a time, has been a Secaucus police officer since 1983. He has received notice that he will be called up shortly. Police officer Clark Rheil has also received such notice. Resident Michelle Harper, who enlisted into the Army and is expected to do intelligence work, took off for basic training in early in October.
"While we don’t know where they will be serving," Mayor Dennis Elwell said, "we know they will be serving our nation’s war effort somewhere, and for that reason, we need to support and acknowledge them."
Elwell told the audience that as a member of the infantry during the Vietnam War, he learned that soldiers can’t support themselves in the field, and that it takes up to eight people behind the scenes to make a soldier effective.
"Military is teamwork and people have to work together to keep the front line soldier alive," Elwell said.
Although military personnel are always at risk even in peace time – as the events surrounding the attack on the U.S.S. Cole two years ago indicated – many more Americans may soon be asked to risk their lives as America heads towards war in Afghanistan, Elwell said.
"There is every indication that we will have troops at war somewhere in the world for the foreseeable future," he said.
This campaign is the first major action taken by American military since the Persian Gulf War in 1991, and because President George W. Bush has indicated this may be a long campaign, Elwell encouraged residents of Secaucus to write to their soldiers and offer them encouraging words from home.
"Young men on the battlefield will feel scared and alone," he said. "Sometimes they won’t be able to communicate with their families. It will be important as residents to identify who from our town is serving and offer them support. People can write letters."
Elwell also said the current patriotic zeal across the nation could shift in the future, making support of the troops all the more important.
"You can sense a shift in the media even now," he said. "It is important for people to understand that soldiers do not make policy, they just do what they’re told to do."
Yearly essay contest held
Secaucus Memorial Post 3776, Veterans of Foreign Wars and its ladies auxiliary will judge their yearly essay contests for Secaucus students. Seventh- and eighth-graders are invited to write a 300- to 400-word essay on the theme “Is Freedom Really Free?” The deadline for this essay contest is Dec. 1.
The deadline for audio essay contest for high school students has already passed. Winners of both contests will receive a savings bond and a chance to compete at the state and national level for prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
For entry information, call 866-4238.