RAHWAY, NJ — The City of Rahway commemorated Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, at Memorial Square, located at the corner of St. Georges Ave. and W. Grand Ave. The ceremony brought out organizations and individuals, students and adults, and, of course, local veterans.
The Rahway High School (RHS) Marine Corps Junior ROTC, led by Gunnery Sergeant John Sardine and Sergeant Major Jose Molina, opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors.
Rosann Delso, of Rahway's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5, served as Master of Ceremonies.
The RHS Marching Band, under the direction of Timothy Orton and Meagan Spatz, and the RHS Choir, under the direction of Robert Van Wyk, performed the National Anthem.
Reverend James Hayer, of Rahway's St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, provided both opening and closing prayers.
Mayor Raymond Giacobbe provided brief opening remarks.
Those in attendance and participating in the ceremony, representing veterans groups, included, among others, Emily Reese (American Legion Auxiliary Post 5), Randy Wahl (Post 5), Eveyln Boyd (American Legion Auxiliary Post 499), Art Matthews (Post 499), Dori Miller (Union County Auxiliary), Bill Reese (Sons of the American Legion Post 5), Jennifer Reese (American Legion Auxiliary Post 5), and Robert Wosnik (Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders Post 5).
A special addition to this year's program was the issuing of a prestigious city proclamation to Captain Scott Rayack, a 24-year veteran of the Rahway Police Department. A 1993 Rahway High School graduate, Rayack served as a Marine for eight years before joining the Rahway Police Department.
Rayack, a martial arts black belt, is the head instructor, and one of the principal architects, of the department's new state-approved Brazilian jiu-jitsu training course. Due to his efforts and initiative, the Rahway Police Department is the first in Union County, and among just a few in the state, to open a dedicated space for a matted training room within its headquarters. The program's objective is to provide officers with training on less lethal force alternatives to traditional methods used by law enforcement.
Both Mayor Giacobbe and Police Director Nicholas Breiner (Breiner, a 20-year military veteran himself, officially retired from the United States Air Force that very day, November 11, 2023) spoke about Rayack's commitment to his country and community prior to Giacobbe formally presenting him with the proclamation, as Rayack's family members stood by his side.
The traditional placement of American flags on ceremonial wreaths followed.
The Rahway Police Department Honor Guard provided a rifle salute, after which the RHS Band played "Taps."
The band and choir joined forces once more for a moving rendition of "God Bless America." The RHS Junior ROTC retired the colors. Rosann Delso returned to the lectern one final time and offered brief closing remarks.
The ceremony was, at once, solemn and celebratory, as those in attendance reflected on the liberties and privileges they enjoy, while acknowledging the sacrifices made and struggles endured by others so that such gifts of freedom might continue to endure.
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