The rain came mid-speech in this year’s Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the 56th Street Senior Center on May 21, sending dignitaries, senior citizens, and the several military people indoors. They had come to pay tribute to those who have given their lives for their country.
Armed Forces Appreciation Day has become a pre-Memorial Day tradition over the last few years, as senior citizens and schoolchildren join together with public officials in song, flag waving, and speeches.
This year, the event welcomed back Dr. Jack Smith – who last year was serving in Afghanistan. He previously served in Iraq.
Bayonne has a long history of patriotic duty, and still has a large number of young people serving in the military.
For many, Smith has become a kind of symbol of Bayonne patriotism, a larger-than-life figure who reminds people of the rich history Bayonne has played in its service to the country.
In a rousing speech, Smith said the United States is locked into a historic war and that there is an even greater need to support the troops.
Smith said that while the military’s primary mission is to fight for the country, the military has taken on additional duties that include humanitarian efforts.
“Protecting freedom is our business,” he said. “Our military people are bathed in fire and blood and come out as steel, and steel is enduring.”
Bruce Bigg, coordinator of the 56th Street Senior Center, said this was an event to honor all military people, present and past.
“We need to remember all those who are serving or have served,” said Barry Dugan, who serves as the director of the Hudson County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Students sing
Students from Woodrow Wilson School, dressed in school uniforms and sailor hats, sang several patriotic songs – although the real showstopper came from Bayonne High School’s choral group, Sweet Harmony. They performed a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Representatives from U.S. senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez brought messages to the gathering. State Senator Sandra Cunningham, Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone and L. Harvey Smith joined Mayor Terrance Malloy, Freeholder Doreen DiDomenico and Council President Vincent Lo Re in the tribute to the troops.