Veterans Day Observed At Memorials

It was approaching the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and a Vietnam veteran who wanted to be quoted only as R.T. was waiting for ceremonies to begin near City Hall.

Asked how he fared in the storm, he said his Coolidge Avenue home was still without power.

"I don't mind, considering that I'm very fortunate," he said.

His street had very little damage, he said. No treees were down, but neighbors on Oxford Street, Adams Circle and Francis Place had lots of damage.

"So we're blessed."

Soon he joined a small band of veterans and public safety personnel who proceeded to the War Memorial
with Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs to lay a wreath.

Cornell Hawkins, commander Judge Advocate of American Legion Post 219, told me the ceremony would be much abbreviated, with so many veterans displaced and lacking power. Members of American Legion Post
7474 and the Plainfield Police and Fire Divisions also took part.

The group moved on to the memorial on the grounds of City Hall, to lay another wreath.

The plight of those affected by Superstorm Sandy colored Hawkins's Veterans Day remarks.
"So many have suffered," Hawkins said. "We're the lucky ones."

Those present still have health, community and camaraderie, he said.

"We don't have it bad - we really don't," he said.

Donald Moman, vice commander of Post 219, performed the tolling of the bell at the traditional moment.

With that, the group gathered in City Hall for light refreshments.Besides the mayor, Councilwoman Rebecca Williams was the only other elected official present. City Hall will be closed Monday in observance of the federal Veterans Day holiday.

--Bernice