”Flag Is Raised At Town Hall To Honor Those Who Fell During Normandy Beach Invasion” -Belleville officials.
A special commemorative flag was raised outside Town Hall on Thursday during a solemn ceremony to honor America’s fallen heroes on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Mayor Michael Melham, Councilman Vincent Cozzarelli, Essex County Freeholder Carlos Pomares and many of the township’s residents gathered to remember those who lost their lives fighting against tyranny on June 6, 1944.
Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini and members of his department, as well as Fire Chief John Olivieri and members of the fire department, also took part.
Members of American Legion Post 105 raised a flag emblazoned with the words “D-Day 75th Anniversary” that will serve as a lasting reminder of those who stormed Normandy Beach – the largest seaborne invasion in history.
The names of 10 Belleville native sons who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and during the ensuing battles of World War II were read aloud during the ceremony. They include: Sgt. Arthur Burke, Lt. Herman Doell, Pvt. Angelo Guarino, Sgt. Edward Henriss, Seaman Robert McCormack, Pvt. Steven Mosco, Sgt. Carmen Ocivio, Lt. Emil Ostrowski and Seaman Lee White.
Mayor Melham recognized two World War II veterans who attended the ceremony: George Pontrella, who has lived in Belleville since 1945, enlisted in the Army and served in Germany. Vincent Della Torre, who lived in the township for 55 years, was a member of the First Airwing Division Marines.
“It was an honor to have them take part in the ceremony,” Melham said. “Mr. Pontrella and Mr. Della Torre were part of the Greatest Generation. They displayed true courage and sacrifice for this country and they have our upmost respect for their service.”
Scott Higgins, the third vice commander of American Legion Post 105, who helped organize the event, said the flag that was raised Thursday will serve an important purpose for years to come.
“If we forget those who gave their life 75 years ago, their deaths would have been in vain,” he said. “This is a way we will forever keep them in our hearts.”