Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Commissioner Al Mirabella , Commissioner Joseph Bodek, Surrogate Christopher Hudak, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner joined Union County Veterans Services Coordinator W. Geoff Smith and special dignitaries at the County’s annual POW-MIA Remembrance Day Flag Raising Ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
This year’s guest speaker was Colonel Dennis J. Dougherty, First Region President Emeritus at the Association of the United States Army. Colonel Dougherty retired a decorated veteran from his 31-year military career with the United States Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard in 2000.
An invocation was led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans. The presentation of colors was performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard and the ceremony included a rifle salute, TAPS and the singing of the National Anthem.