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Sussex County veterans honored at fairgrounds

| 03 Nov 2015 | 03:46
    Bagpipers are shown in the parade.
    Bagpipers are shown in the parade.
    The Newton High School band.
    The Newton High School band.
    Former Marines march in the parade.
    Former Marines march in the parade.
    John Harrigan of Vernon is shown marching with his grandchildren Matthew Celetano, 6, and his sister 21-month-old Zoey Celetano. As president of the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, Harrigan has been the driving force behind the creation and establishment of the Sussex County veteran's cemetery in Sparta, which will have itþÄôs grand opening in Sparta on November 15 at 11 a.m.
    John Harrigan of Vernon is shown marching with his grandchildren Matthew Celetano, 6, and his sister 21-month-old Zoey Celetano. As president of the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, Harrigan has been the driving force behind the creation and establishment of the Sussex County veteran's cemetery in Sparta, which will have itþÄôs grand opening in Sparta on November 15 at 11 a.m.
    Dozens of motorcyclists led the parade at the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the 15th Annual Salute to Military Veterans.
    Dozens of motorcyclists led the parade at the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the 15th Annual Salute to Military Veterans.
    Military vehicles were part of the parade.
    Military vehicles were part of the parade.
    Shots were fired at the end of the ceremonies followed by two bugle players playing "Taps."
    Shots were fired at the end of the ceremonies followed by two bugle players playing "Taps."
    Barry Lakes/Vernon resident and former Hamburg SeniorþÄôs Club president Anna Mae Schurko, 87, is shown during the parade. Schurko is a World War II veteran of the Cadet Nurse Corps. In the past she was also Grand Marshall of the Salute to Veterans Parade.
    Barry Lakes/Vernon resident and former Hamburg SeniorþÄôs Club president Anna Mae Schurko, 87, is shown during the parade. Schurko is a World War II veteran of the Cadet Nurse Corps. In the past she was also Grand Marshall of the Salute to Veterans Parade.

AUGUSTA — On Sunday, hundreds of area residents turned out to honor Sussex County veterans during the 15th Annual Salute to Military Veterans parade and ceremonies held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

Following the parade, ceremonies were held inside the Richards Building. Sponsored by the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Sussex County Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services and the Veterans Committee, the event was a somber one meant to show appreciation for those who served their country in the military.

Many tables manned by representatives of various veterans-oriented organizations lined the inside of the building with information about programs and benefits available to area veterans. Throughout the ceremonies, hot dogs, a variety of cakes and cookies were served to both veterans and the visitors. The county freeholders distributed a special 2015 anniversary pin designed by Abby Lazier, 14, of Wantage. The pin was shaped like a military service “dog tag” that included the images of the American flag and the official Sussex County emblem. The pin was to be given to all veterans who attended the ceremonies.

— Photos by Chris Wyman