Photo Courtesy of inBLOOM Communications
NJVVMF Honors Governors Thomas H. Kean, James J. Florio and Christine Todd Whitman for Their Dedication to N.J.'s Vietnam Veterans
Friday, October 25, 2013, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m., Robert B. Meyner Reception Center, Holmdel, NJ (Exit 116 off the Garden State Parkway)
Photo Courtesy of inBLOOM Communications
PRESS RELEASE: Holmdel, N.J. (October 9, 2013) – The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) will honor the contributions of New Jersey's Governors Thomas H. Kean, James J. Florio and Christine Todd Whitman at its 15th Anniversary Gala, “A Night at the Museum” on Friday, October 25, 2013, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center in Holmdel, N.J. (Exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway). During their terms in office, the three N.J. Governors made significant and historical decisions, which led to the creation of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center.
Dedicated in September 1998, the Museum & Educational Center is the first and only institution of its kind in the United States with exhibits and programs devoted to encouraging and fostering an understanding of the Vietnam War era and the adjacent Memorial pays homage to the 1,562 soldiers from N.J. who were killed or listed as missing during the Vietnam War.
"Thousands of students from schools across the NY/NJ/PA region, veterans and their families, and the general public have visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center. Whether a visitor participates in a tour led by one of our Vietnam Veteran volunteers or attends one of our touching annual ceremonies, he is struck by the raw emotion still attached to the people and history surrounding the Vietnam War," says Bill Linderman, Executive Director, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation. "Governors Thomas H. Kean, James J. Florio and Christine Todd Whitman were committed to supporting the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Foundation and its institutions because they uniquely recognized that honoring the men and women who serve in military conflict, past or present, is invaluable. Please join us as we recognize their achievements."
A cocktail reception will be held at 6 p.m. , followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m. at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center. There will be an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music and a silent auction. The Moderator for the evening will be Jack Ford, CBS News Legal Analyst and Anchor of Jack Ford: Courtside on COURT TV. The cost for the event is $175 for individuals, $350 for couples. Business attire is requested.
Contact Lynn Duane at [email protected] at (732) 335-0033 x.100 to purchase tickets or for information on sponsorship opportunities and journal ads. Deadline for journal ads is Monday, October 14.
About the Honorees
Thomas H. Kean served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey from 1982 – 1990. He is the former Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) and served as the President of Drew University for 15 years until retiring in 2005. On January 12, 1986, Governor Kean signed the legislation, which created the 14 member New Jersey Vietnam Veterans‘ Memorial Commission. He charged the commission to select an appropriate site, design and raise the funds needed to complete construction. In 1987 Governor Kean signed legislation on appropriating $25,000 to administer a statewide competition for the design of the memorial. On May 7, 1989, Governor Kean joined with veterans’ groups, family members and state and local officials to reside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial.
James J. Florio served as the 49th Governor of New Jersey from 1990 – 1994. He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for 15 years between 1975 and 1990. In December of 1990, Governor Florio signed legislation to increase the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Commission to 24 members and appointed ten new members. It was the generous contributions of New Jersey’s business community, under Florio's leadership, that raised money for the first phase of construction in November 1991. Governor Florio presided over the event at which veterans and family members witnessed the first stage of construction. This phase continued through 1992 and into the winter of 1993.
Christine Todd Whitman served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001. She served as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. Governor Whitman’s support for the Memorial was immediate, marked by her inaugural committee’s $25,000 donation. Governor Whitman’s husband John, a Vietnam Veteran, stepped forward and quickly to organize a committee of business leaders, and in six short weeks raised the funds needed to complete the Memorial. The plan was to dedicate the Memorial on May 7, 1995 to coincide with the 20th anniversary commemorating the end of the Vietnam War. On September 27, 1998, Governor CharistineTodd Whitman joined a large crowd to dedicate the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center.
About The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam veterans and that encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects, which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.
The NJVVMF's Museum & Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel, NJ. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by special appointment. Admission is $7 adults; $5 senior citizens and students; and children 10 years of age or younger and veterans and active military personnel are free. For more information on the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, visit www.njvvmf.org or call (732) 335-0033.
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