PHOTOS: Veterans Honored at Township Ceremony

Veterans were honored Sunday in Manchester at a ceremony dedicated to the memory of a U.S. Army hero the township recently lost.

The ceremony, led by Don Czekanski, chairman and mayor's liaison to the township's Veteran's Advisory Committee, honored all veterans including Frank Barone, 91, who served in World War II. 

Born in 1921 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Barone, who spent his later years in Whiting, died in October. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.

Czekanski's speech encouraged residents "to remember not only the veterans who have served in combat and made the ultimate sacrifice, but all veterans who have served throughout our great nation's history," said Manchester Police Department Capt. Lisa Parker.

Mayor Michael Fressola delivered the keynote address and thanked veterans, both past and present. The Manchester Police Department led the Presentation of Colors, which was followed by a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by Manchester resident and Ocean County College student Cassidy Gobel, 18.

After Fressola's speech, Gobel again sang, treating the crowd to "America the Beautiful," according to Parker.

Manchester Township High School students will honor veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. in the school's auditorium. Local veterans are invited to the program and should arrive at 9:30 a.m. for registration, according to the district. For more information, contact teacher Jill Ocone at 732-657-2121 or through email.