American Legion 11/9/18

Before Honorary Speaker Mohamed Mohamed came up to speak, Mayor Wilda Diaz had a few words to say about him. She stated that he was part of the Iraqi Operation from 1999-2003 which gave Iraq its freedom. “We are extremely proud to have him as a part of our team and I’m very proud to give him a proclamation today. He was assigned to the Perth Amboy Police Department in 2005. While serving the community, he has taken many drugs and guns off of our streets. In his career, he has worked with several agencies which include the State, Local, and Federal Governments and the Military.”

Then Mohamed came up to speak. He extended a warm welcome to all who were present and gave special thanks to all of his fellow Veterans. He continued, “When I was first approached to be the Honorary Speaker, I hesitated at first, because I thought that they should have had someone who was older and had more military experience. I have had a very rewarding life in America. We are free because of those in the service in the past and present. Freedom makes our country great. When I first thought about joining the military, I talked to my father about it. He is the one who influenced me to join. When I was serving, one of my roommates was a Mormon by the name of Seth, and he became one of my best friends, and I consider him my brother. We were all brothers regardless of our ethnicity. I’m proud to call you all my brothers and sisters.”

When Ismael from the Perth Amboy Youth Alliance came up to speak next, he spoke about coming to the United States at the age of 4 from the Dominican Republic. “I watched many war movies, especially “Saving Private Ryan,” which I’ve seen multiple times. I have friends who will be joining the military. We enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness due to others who serve or have served or made the ultimate sacrifice. We should celebrate Veterans Day everyday.”

Near the end of the ceremony, Mayor Diaz asked all Veterans to come forward. One of the Veterans was asked to come to the podium, state his name, and state where and when he served. 

Ervin Machado said that both he and his brother served in Korea. After 3 months in college, he was called to serve. Both he and his brother came back home safely, but he told about all of the horrors that they saw. He also mentioned those who came home in a casket or physically, mentally, or both wounded. “Please remember them.”

Many school children were present who made signs thanking the Veterans. As the children came forward, Mayor Diaz asked that they go to a Veteran and stand with them with their signs. The children, Veterans and all present were delighted. C.M.