File/During the borough’s 2020 Veterans Day service, Longport resident Eileen Mulligan observes the installation of a brick paver honoring her husband, U.S. Army veteran Earl Mulligan Sr. who died in July 2019.
LONGPORT – The John A. Kuzmann American Legion Post 469 will hold its annual Veterans Day service 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11 at Thomas B. Reed Park at the foot of the Longport bridge.
The 30-minute ceremony includes the installation of 10 memorial pavers in the walkway around the sundial monument, which memorializes important dates in American military history.
This year, the Legionnaires will honor the five members of the U.S. Coast Guard who lost their lives at sea while attempting a boat rescue during the storm of March 1932.
According to Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli, who organizes the Legion’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day services, the sole survivor of that tragedy was Lt. James Turner, who later settled in Longport and served as Longport Beach Patrol chief. He is known as “Capt. Turner,” and the Longport Beach Patrol holds a memorial swim in his honor every year.
The other five pavers will honor veterans nominated by borough residents. Legionnaires will render a rifle salute for each veteran honored. The Post and Ladies Auxiliary will also place wreaths at the monument to honor all past, present and future veterans.
The public is encouraged to attend this brief and meaningful service.
