Knights of Columbus 2^nd NJ District

Thank You for your Service Vietnam Veterans Ceremony

Place: Veterans Memorial Home Vineland …. Time: 2 p.m.

Hosted by:

 KOC 2^nd NJ District of New Jersey

 Bishop Schad Assembly

Sponsor: Tristate Veterans Memorial Fund Inc

• Prelude: Patriotic Music
• Opening Ceremony:
  • Intro TBD
  • Presentation of Colors (KOC Color Guard).
  • National Anthem {SK Michael Jones}
  • Pledge of Allegiance {District Marshall / Color Corps Commander}
• Opening Prayer: District Chaplin or Brother Hannah

Let us bow our heads:

Gracious and Almighty God, we come before you today to honor our Vietnam Veterans. We thank you for their courageous service to our country, often rendered under difficult circumstances.  Lord, we ask for healing of memories, body, and soul for those who still carry the wounds of war. Bring peace to their hearts and comfort to their families, easing the burdens of the past with your loving hand.  We thank you for the unselfish service and dedication of these men and women who protected our freedom. May they feel our deep gratitude, honor, and pride in them today and always. We remember those who never returned and whose names are etched on the Wall. Grant them eternal rest and give comfort to their loved ones. We vow never to forget their sacrifices, promising to keep them in our hearts.  Amen.

Knights of Columbus 2^nd NJ District

• Welcome:  Chris Tomasselo State Warden

Started Nov 1, 1955 Ended May 15, 1975

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, community members, and most importantly, our honored Vietnam Veterans and their families. Welcome to Knights of Columbus Vietnam Veterans “Thank you for your service”

Many of our Vietnam veterans came home to silence. Not parades. Not open arms. You returned carrying the weight of a war that left deep scars, both visible and unseen.

But we have learned something important since then. We have learned that it is never too late to say thank you. We have learned that your devotion to each other and your love of country lives on. Today, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, ensuring you are seen, you are valued, and you are truly home.

To every Vietnam veteran here today: You carried the burden of duty on your shoulders and came home to help build the America we cherish.

For that, we are forever in your debt.

And we cannot and will not forget the POW/MIA veterans and their families.

So please accept this, our sincere, heartfelt, and long-overdue welcome home.

So today we the KOC are here to say:

 “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE”

 Your service will never be forgotten - Better late than never - Thank you for your courage

May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. 

Knights of Columbus 2^nd NJ District

• Speakers:
  • Dignitaries  Comments

• Thank you Coin Ceremony:
  • Individual recognition and presentation of the Thank you for your Service Coin.

Let us now recognize each Vietnam Vet of Vineland Veterans Home with a Thank you for your service coin. 

Representative from KOC & TSVMF presents a coin to each Vietnam Vet.

• Musical Tribute God Bless the USA                                              {SK Mike jones}
• Moment of Silence/Wreath Laying: Honoring the fallen and those with lingering illnesses {NJ STATE WARDEN & STATE OFFICERS and RJ}
  • CC & HG escort Wreath Laying

• Closing Remarks & "Thank you”

As we conclude this ceremony, let us take these moments with us: the stories of courage, the sacrifice of the fallen, and the enduring strength of our Vietnam veterans.

You served with honor, in a time of great division, and you did your duty. For many of you, the homecoming you deserved 50 years ago was missing. Today, the KOC hope to change that. We see you. We honor you.

And we have reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring your legacy is preserved for generations to come.

To our Vietnam veterans: You have earned your place among the greatest generations. Thank you for your service

• Retiring of Colors Marshal or CCC issues command
• Refreshments/Reception: Opportunity to meet our heroes.