By Cathy Miller

Veterans Day, November 11 – a day to celebrate and honor those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces – a tribute packed with patriotism, camaraderie, and faith – a time to thank living military Veterans for their sacrifices. In a room filled with children’s artwork and sentimental letters, Warren County Habitat for Humanity recently did all that and more!

Warren County Habitat for Humanity (WC Habitat) hosted a Veterans Day Celebration, including a free breakfast buffet, on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WC Habitat’s new Community Center, 31 Belvidere Avenue, Washington.

This was WC Habitat’s 2nd Annual Veterans Day Celebration, the first one being held at the Community Center shortly after construction was completed in November 2021.

The event, attended by 25 veterans and other guests, began with opening remarks from Donna Detrick, WC Habitat Board President, followed by words of faith from Board member John Rolak. Ben Eskow, Executive Director of WC Habitat, spoke of Habitat for Humanity’s “long tradition of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope, along with the need to support our Veterans.”

Keary Riddick, an Army Veteran and future WC Habitat Homeowner, spoke emotionally of her experiences both in the military, and now, as she contributes hundreds of “sweat equity” hours towards her homeownership program. As a future homeowner with WC Habitat, she volunteers on the construction site of what will be her Habitat home in Washington Township, currently on track to be dedicated in the spring of 2023. This will be Warren County Habitat’s third Veterans Build.

Its first Veterans Build was for Heather Freeman, Army National Guard Veteran, in Washington Township, and was dedicated in May 2018.

The second was for Rick Houston, Navy Veteran, in Phillipsburg, dedicated in June 2022 (see photo below of Rick playing music for the audience).

Margaret Wallace, WC Habitat’s Office Assistant and IT Lead, led a fact-filled and fun presentation consisting of statistics regarding the number of veterans in Warren County, followed by a “Test of Military Knowledge.”

One of the Test’s “regulations” enticingly stated the “First person to raise his/her hand and answer the question correctly wins a lunch or dinner – including dessert and beverage – to be eaten at a place of his/her choosing.” After the first question was answered, a big cardboard carton on the edge of the stage was unveiled, wherein sat a dozen assorted MREs (the common, yet delicious, Ready-to-Eat Meals given to members of the Military during their time of service).

A 50/50 drawing was also held to benefit the Veterans Build program.

Quotes from a few Veterans (All Photos by Cathy Miller):
Hackettstown resident Tracy Freeman, a West Point graduate who served in the Army Corps of Engineers, said, “It was good to see the veterans from all services together, pause and be thankful for each other’s service to our country.”

Carol Musselman Kain, from Washington Township, US Navy, noted, “I was glad to see the local veterans and meet them. Thanks to the children for writing all the letters on the walls and the tables.”

Carol’s father, Harold Musselman, who served in the Army during World War II, was an earth science/biology teacher at Washington High School and Warren Hills High School. He headed the science department for a portion of his tenure.

Tom Massey, from Lebanon, is a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in Korea for ten years. He said, “It was good to see so many of the vets and hear their stories.”

Bob Pensaniello, from Hellertown, PA (formerly from Washington), served in the Marines for 22 years, doing two tours of Vietnam. He said, “I’m so thankful that I am able to come here today and be part of this celebration. I’m proud to have had an opportunity to serve my country.” Bob has been deeply involved with the Habitat for Humanity build team, he can’t remember how many Habitat houses he’s worked on. He recalled, “When I’d get home at night after a day of construction, I always felt that I’d accomplished something that day.”

Jim Monteleone, from Lopatcong, is 94 years old. He served in the Merchant Marines in 1944-45, in the North Atlantic and the Normandy Invasion. He enjoyed WC Habitat’s Veterans Celebration, but was a little saddened that he didn’t meet any other veterans of World War II. He’s currently retired, but keeps himself busy doing yard work and “playing around in his garage” according to his wife Trudy. Jim said, “I like to keep moving.” Jim and Trudy have been married for 64 years!

A short history lesson.
World War I officially ended with the signing of Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. However, the fighting stopped about seven months prior when the Allies and Germany signed an armistice (cease fire) on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.  

For that reason, November 11, 1918, generally considered the final day of conflict, was named Armistice Day. In 1926, Congress officially recognized it as the end of the War, and in 1938, it became an official holiday honoring veterans of World War I.

After World War II and the Korean War, veterans service organizations urged Congress to rename the holiday. On June 1, 1954 the word “Armistice” was changed to “Veterans” to honor American veterans of ALL wars.

The date of Veterans Day was changed, too. Congress signed the Uniform Holiday Bill in 1968 to ensure that a few federal holidays, including Veterans Day, would be celebrated on a Monday. Congress assigned the fourth Monday of October as Veterans Day.

The first Veterans Day celebrated under the new bill was on October 25, 1971. However, many states opted to continue to recognize the eleventh day of November as Veterans Day.

In fact, most U.S. citizens still wanted to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, with its historic and patriotic importance. On September 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a bill returning the annual observance to its original date, beginning in 1978.

A new resource in Warren County.
A great addition to the community, the new Warren County Habitat for Humanity Community Center provides high quality programming for youth, seniors, and Veterans of Warren County and their families. A place where the community comes together to learn, grow and thrive, the Center provides a safe, supportive environment, while hosting programs with opportunities for positive interaction and maximum engagement. The Community Center’s online monthly calendar lists upcoming events at www.warrenhabitat.org/cccalendar.

About Warren County Habitat for Humanity.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International and has served Warren County since 1999. An accredited 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, Habitat’s vision is a time where everyone in Warren County has a decent place to live. Habitat’s mission is, “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” To learn more about Warren County Habitat or to donate, visit www.warrenhabitat.org.

Warren County Habitat for Humanity
31 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882
Office: 908-835-1300
www.warrenhabitat.org