Brick Township is set to receive the “We Value Our Veterans” award. The award is granted by the State of New Jersey to municipalities and businesses that recognize and honor veterans in their communities.
According to Mayor John Ducey, the town has worked closely with local veterans organizations including Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20, American Legion Post 348 and VFW Post 8867 on new initiatives to recognize the 4,212 veterans (according to the 2020 census) that call Brick home.
“Recognizing, honoring and caring for our Veterans is our duty,” explained Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero. “We are proud of our veterans, and our efforts show it.”
Each year at Windward Beach, Brick proudly displays its ‘Fallen Heroes’ banners where tens of thousands of visitors can see them and be reminded of those who paid the ultimate price. These banners, which honor all who gave up their lives in wars for our country, were suggested by Willam Duffy, a Brick veteran, member of the VFW, and a dedicated advocate for Veterans issues. In 2020, Duffy also led the effort to refurbish the newly dedicated War Memorial, with the support of Council President Lisa Crate.
According to Mayor Ducey, one of the most significant initiatives supported by the township was the renovation of the Brick Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans building at 1810 Lanes Mill Road. The renovations were authorized by the Mayor and Council and the renovations were done in-house. Renovations included improved handicapped access, a new roof, landscaping, interior upgrades and improved lighting. Funding was provided using a $99,853 grant from the state.
The award noted that the township provides free beach passes to all veterans in addition to reserved Purple Heart Parking at local parks and at town hall. Every year, the Brick Farmers Market, located at Windward Beach, proudly supports veteran-owned businesses.
The Township, along with other eligible municipalities, will receive the award at the Vietnam War Memorial, located in Holmdel on November 11th, 11:00 am. This date and time was originally set aside as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I, and now is celebrated as Veterans Day throughout the country. At the same date and time, Mayor Ducey and Councilwoman Heather deJong will join leaders of the veteran community in hosting the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the War Memorial at town hall.