Veterans Day Must Go On In Red Bank

Red Bank made a promise that it would not forget its veterans.

As communities throughout the State were forced to delay or outright cancel their regular Veterans Day ceremonies due to ongoing complications from Hurricane Sandy, Red Bank hosted an intimate remembrance event Sunday, a toned down version of its longtime annual event. 

"Whether its with two, 200, or 2,000 people, we will always gather to recognize our veterans," Mayor Pat Menna said. "We will never cancel Veterans Day, no matter what."

Between veterans, officials, and the Atlantic Watchmen bagpipes, about 50 people attended the event outside of the borough's war memorial in front of old borough hall at 51 Monmouth Street. Typically, the event includes great participation from Red Bank's schools, but with Sandy having caused widespread outages resulting in the cancellation of school for the past two weeks there was no opportunity to plan for the event.

"Many of those who normally participate in this day are not here so we will step up for them," Red Bank Director of Parks and Recreation Memone Crystian said. 

Menna thanked the veterans in attendance for their service and implored residents and onlookers alike to recognize our country's real heroes.

"Take this time to reflect," he said. "Take a moment to say thank you."