MORRIS PLAINS, NJ – Veterans from across Morris County were the focus of heartfelt recognition this weekend at the Second Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, held at Watnong VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains. The gathering brought together more than 100 attendees, including community leaders, elected officials, and families, all united in showing gratitude for the men and women who have served our nation.
The event, now in its second year, has quickly become an important tradition in the county, spotlighting both the sacrifices of local veterans and the ongoing services available to them.
Community Leaders Stand in Support of Veterans
Morris County Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and Christine Myers joined the celebration, alongside Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Assemblyman Christian Barranco, and Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr.
Commissioner Mastrangelo emphasized that appreciation for veterans extends beyond official holidays:
“Recognizing our veterans for all they have done for Morris County and for our nation is something we can never do often enough. While our county holds special ceremonies each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our appreciation goes well beyond the holidays. We strive to honor and support our veterans every day of the year.”
Commissioner Myers highlighted the county’s Veterans Compendium, an ongoing project curated by the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. This comprehensive database preserves the stories of local veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War. Interactive maps document encampments, battlefields, homesteads, and final resting places of soldiers, connecting today’s residents to generations of service members. The project is expanding to include veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, ensuring the next chapter of history is preserved for the future.
Honoring History and Preserving Legacy
Myers also underscored Morris County’s deep ties to American history:
“Here in Morris County, history is right in our backyard. General Washington’s troops endured two harsh winters at Jockey Hollow, and the Ford Mansion in Morristown served as his headquarters. Soldiers marched through what is now Boonton and Rockaway, leaving their mark as they fought for the independence we will celebrate on our nation’s 250th anniversary next year.”
With the Semiquincentennial approaching in 2026, the county is encouraging residents to visit morriscounty250.org for details on upcoming celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
Services and Year-Round Support for Veterans
Beyond honoring military service, the event also spotlighted resources available to local veterans. The Morris County Veterans Services Office, the Department of Human Services’ Navigating Hope, and the Sheriff’s Hope One mobile service unit were all present, providing information about counseling, housing support, food programs, transportation assistance, and legal aid.
In a significant update, officials announced that beginning in September, a Veterans Service Officer will be available twice a month at the County College of Morris Veterans Resource Center. Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, CCM’s coordinator of veteran and military services, also revealed the launch of a new veteran support group led by a U.S. Marine, designed to build camaraderie and provide direct peer-to-peer assistance on campus.
For ongoing updates on health, wellness, and veteran-related resources in New Jersey, you can explore more through Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
Recognizing Local Leaders and Volunteers
The event was organized by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, Catholic Charities, NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, VFW 3401, and Morristown American Legion Post 59. A buffet lunch was generously provided by Portofino’s Restaurant of Morristown and served by student volunteers from Morristown High School, showcasing how the broader community contributes to honoring service members.
Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, also presented the organization’s Soaring Eagle Awards. Honorees included David Pearson, assistant director of veterans services at Catholic Charities, and A.J. Luna, an Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders. Both were recognized for their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of veterans across the region.
Continuing the Mission of Appreciation
The annual event has quickly become a cornerstone of Morris County’s commitment to its veterans, bridging the gap between history, present-day needs, and future generations. From preserving Revolutionary War stories to ensuring modern-day veterans have access to critical services, Morris County is setting a powerful example of what year-round appreciation truly looks like.
For more information about local veterans’ services or to apply for the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal, contact the Morris County Veterans Services Office at 973-285-6866.
