Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • November 23, 2011 Mahwah Township honors veterans at annual ceremony by Frank J. McMahon On Nov. 11, Mahwah held its annual Veterans Day Memorial Service at the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Franklin Turnpike at East Ramapo Avenue. About 15 local veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7124 and the American Legion were present, and the master of ceremonies was Mike Devine, quartermaster of VFW Post 7124. The Mahwah Police Honor Guard advanced the American flag and all those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was sung by the Mahwah High School Choir. VFW Post Chaplin John Kelly asked God to bless those in the military who are serving around the world and to keep them out of harm’s way and bring them home safely. The crowd then heard an address by Mayor-elect William Laforet. “I am very proud of our veterans,” Laforet said. “They have provided the freedom for us to stand here today.” An address from Congressman Scott Garrett was read by his aide Andrew Whitehouse. Garrett recognized Veterans Day as a day when we pause to pay tribute to all of the courageous men and women who have served in the U.S. military. “From generation to generation,” Garrett stated, “Americans have answered the call to duty and defended this great nation. Today, we remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who lost their lives while performing acts of uncommon bravery and selflessness. “We pray for the men and women who continue to fight for freedom here at home and on foreign shores, and we thank veterans who have served honorably and have now returned home to communities across America. “We pray for the families who have lost loved ones. We are committed to helping our wounded warriors and the (continued on page 15) VFW Commander Gary Montroy giving veteran’s address.