By Christine Harkinson/Staff
The Burlington County Commissioners honored the service of dozens of veterans and their families during the annual Burlington County Military Service Medal Ceremony on Nov. 8.
Forty-one veterans from various eras earned medals, and the families of eight deceased veterans who received them posthumously were on hand.
“We welcome the veterans we honor today, (and) their families (and) their loved ones who waited at home,” said Evelyn Rosado, division head of Military and Veterans Services. “When your nation called, you did not hesitate. You answered the call just as those who served before you and those who serve today.”
“There were times when the American public did not properly thank the men and women who protect our nation, and today’s event is simply a reminder that we have not forgotten and we do appreciate your service,” she added. “I want to extend a special thank you to our Vietnam veterans who said, ‘Never again will our troops come home without proper dignity.’
“Thank you for being true to your word. Welcome home.”
Among the medal recipients was Dr. George Rubin, a 99-year-old Medford resident who served as an armorer-waist gunner aboard a B-17 that was shot down in 1944 during a bombing mission over Germany. He survived the crash, but was a POW until about a month before Germany’s 1945 surrender.
“Burlington County is proud to recognize the men and women who answered the call to defend our nation,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the board’s liaison to the military and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Also at the ceremony were county Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell; Commissioner Tom Pullion; and state Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, who presented Rubin with a state resolution honoring his service.
The county has awarded more than 10,000 medals to its veterans since 2002. Any veteran living in the county who got an honorable discharge is eligible for the decoration, along with those who are deceased. Registration with the county’s Military and Veterans Services office ensures veterans and their families are informed about programs and services available to them. This year, the office has helped vets obtain more than $13 million in compensation and benefits.
Medal registration forms are available at the office and can be obtained by calling (609) 265-5008. The form can also be completed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/17046/County-Military-Medal-application-2023.
Rosado closed the veterans ceremony by reminding those in attendance not to take America’s freedom for granted.
“Our veterans fought for it.”
