By Steffen Klenk
On Veterans Day 2023, the Somers Point community gathered at Patriots Park to honor all past and present military personnel for their service to our nation. The ceremony was filled with songs and speeches from local community leaders. “For every veteran that is here today, thank you for your service to our great country,” says Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser. “Of all the dignitaries that are here, you are the most important.”
This Veterans Day service was made particularly special to Mayor Glasser, who is set to retire from office at the end of the year. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as master sergeant of the New Jersey Air National Guard with 24 years of service. He also served 25 years as a Northfield police officer retiring as captain. Today, Glasser runs security at Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing and has led the Somers Point community for 16 years.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Atlantic County Clerk Joe Giralo presented the mayor with a proclamation from Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “Jack Glasser has brought honor and pride to the community and to the citizens of the State of New Jersey and the United States of America,” the proclamation reads.
This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Larry Lemieux, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime Somers Point resident. Lemieux opened his speech by honoring the mayor for his devotion to service, presenting Glasser with a plaque from American Legion Post 352, VFW Post 2159, AMVETS, and the Legion Riders. “You have served your entire life to your community and to your country. Well done sir.”
Mayor Glasser with students from Mainland Regional High School
Members of the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 911 were also on-hand for a special presentation, enrolling the long time Mayor as an Associate Member of their submarine veterans’ organization. “Jack, you’ve always been a veterans veteran,” says Tom Innocente. “Anytime we’ve ever come to you for assistance, you’ve been there one hundred percent.” The group has led efforts in building a U.S. Navy torpedo memorial adjacent to Somers Point VFW, along with a monument to Medal of Honor recipient Oscar Schmidt Jr.
Mayor Glasser recognized this kind gesture. “This is all for the veterans. We all did our service to our country. To all of us here today that are veterans, thank you for your service.”
Dr. Lemieux notes that while less than one-half of 1% of the U.S. population have served in the Armed Forces, the needs of veterans are no different than ordinary citizens. “We need a roof over our heads and a place to call home. We need food on our table, and we need quality health care.”
Many veterans returning home often struggle in getting the care and services they deserve. Lemieux says veterans should have the ability to seek employment, health insurance, and housing. “We are 1% of the country’s population. We should all be given the equivalent of 100% disabled veterans benefits.”
Members of the American Legion Riders made an appearance at Saturday’s service, along with the Atlantic County Institute of Technology JROTC cadets. Renditions of the National Anthem and God Bless America were performed by Pat Moshetta. Dignitaries in attendance included Atlantic County Veterans Service Officer Bob Frolow, Commissioner Maureen Kern, members of Somers Point City Council, and Mayor-elect Dennis Tapp.
