Veterans to receive medals at ceremony BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer HOLMDEL - It was a dark time in the nation's history and a time that many Americans will never forget, but on May 7, New Jersey will remember the veterans of the VietnamWar who served the United States in that tumultuous era. Enacted into legislation in 1991, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day is a unique day in the state to honor all of the people who served in the armed forces between 1959 and 1975. This year, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day will be commemorated at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel with guest speakers discussing what life was like during the Vietnam era and a medal awards ceremony for New Jersey veterans. "Our goal as a foundation is to foster conversations between veterans and young people about life for our veterans before, during and after the Vietnam War," said Kelly Watts, executive director of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation. "It is important for young people to be involved in this as well and that is why we invite groups like the Boy Scouts and ROTC to attend these kind of events." Watts explained that at this particular ceremony, New Jersey residents who fought in the Vietnam War will be awarded service medals from a grateful state. The medals will be presented from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "For veterans who were born and raised in New Jersey, they are eligible for the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal," Watts explained. "Veterans who now reside in New Jersey, but did not at the time of their service, are eligible for the New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal. Some of our veterans have waited a very long time to receive these awards." Watts said veterans who are invited to the event are from a wide array of wars, not just Vietnam. "We welcome all veterans," she said, "World War II, Korea, the Gulf War, anyone who served in combat theater is welcome." Recently, Iraq War veterans have been invited to attend as well. "Iraq War veterans are very welcome," Watts said. "It is important because they don't have anywhere to gather yet; it is still new. This generation needs to know that we support them and welcome them home." Among the guest speakers will be state Assemblyman Jack Connors, chair of the Assembly's Military and Veterans Committee. Watts said soldiers who are preparing to deploy to Iraq andAfghanistan will also be in attendance at the May 7 ceremony.