VIDEO: Traveling Wall is Chance to Honor Vietnam Vets

The county celebrated the opening of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Thursday at in Bridgewater as veterans and officials came out to remember those who gave their lives in Vietnam fighting for their country. The exhibit will remain open around-the-clock through Sunday at 3 p.m.

Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman officiated the ceremony, which included speeches from Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R-7), N.J. Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs Ray Zawacki, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452 President John LeGates and Somerset County Freeholder Director Robert Zaborowski.

The ceremony also featured the laying of the POW/MIA wreath, the Gold Star Mothers of New Jersey wreath, the Military Order of Purple Hearts Chapter 27 wreath and the Department of New Jersey Marine Corps wreath.

Guests at the wall honored the 34 people from Somerset County who died in Vietnam, including Bernards Brendan J. Kearns, Bernardsville residents Willard L. Arntz and William L. Williams and Walter P. Miller of Far Hills. All Somerset County veterans in attendance at the ceremony were presented with commemorative medals.

The exhibit arrived at Bridgewater in partnership with the Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452.

The tribute itself includes Cost of Freedom memorials and exhibits, as well as an 80-percent-to-scale version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It is a 370-foot-long replica with all names that are included on the original wall.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute will provide this local opportunity for people to pay respect to veterans honored at the memorial in Washington D.C.

The ceremony concluded with original songs honoring American heroes, written by local residents Tyler Mylroie, Joe Reina Sr., Joe Reina Jr and Bob Burke.

The 34 Somerset County residents who were killed or missing in Vietnam are:

• Willard L. Arntz, of Bernardsville
• John F. Baranoski, of North Plainfield
• Henry P. Brauner, of Franklin Park
• John E. Busch, of Somerset
• William B. Christenson, of North Plainfield
• Myron Diduryk, of Somerville
• John F. Dudash, of Manville
• Thomas W. Frech, of Somerville
• Ricky D. Gilchrist, of Somerset
• Jules T. Girtanner, of Neshanic
• Michael J. Hayes, of Bound Brook
• Vins Ro. Hooper, of Somerset
• Andrew Horvath, of Manville
• Stephen C. Jones, of Watchung
• Brendan J. Kearns, of Bernards
• Robert C. Keri, of Somerset
• Frederick C. Kinsler, of North Plainfield
• Donald P. Lindsley, of Watchung
• Charles L. Magliaro, of Somerville
• Michael W. Martineau, of Manville
• Walter P. Miller, of Far Hills
• Fred J. Paul, of Bound Brook
• Joseph J. Polonko, of Pluckemin
• Antanas A. Prizgintas, of Bound Brook
• Dwight F. Rand, of Somerville
• Ronald P. Santoro, of North Plainfield
• Robert F. Sherdin [MIA], of Somerville
• Dennis R. Schmidt, of North Plainfield
• Richard J. Seibert, of Far Hills
• William J. Stephenson, of Bound Brook
• Richard J. Vallone, of Bridgewater
• Stephen H. Warner, of Skillman
• William L. Williams, of Bernardsville
• Michael Yaworsky, of Somerset