Organizers used Wednesday's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel to include five more veterans to the memorial. Their names will be placed on an engraved stone inside the memorial.
HOLMDEL --William Cook carries his Vietnam War draft card with him wherever he goes.
The 67-year-old former Neptune resident wound up not serving in the controversial conflict, but his older brother Ralph Cook did.
It was in his brother's memory as well as their father, grandfather and all other military service men and women that William Cook found himself tearfully recalling Wednesday all the sacrifices American's veterans made for the love of their country.
"We should give thanks today and every day for what all the vets here...and all the vets have given us - and that's freedom," Cook said, struggling to compose himself.
Organizers used Wednesday's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel to include five more veterans to the memorial. Their names will be placed on an engraved stone inside the memorial.
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They were James Burns of Spring Lake Heights, Ralph Cook of Wall Township, Thomas Cullen of Toms River, Joseph Lopez of Haledon and Patrick Palumbo of Elizabeth.
Although they were not killed in Vietnam, they died recently from conditions directly associated with their tours of duty in that country.
Ralph Cook, in the U.S. Army Air Cavalry, spent June 1968 through June 1969 in Vietnam. He came home, raised a family but developed lung cancer as a result of his exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange. He died Aug. 4, 2012, leaving his son Jesse, a U.S. Marine. He also has a nephew in the Navy.
Their father, Sgt. Ralph Cook, spent 22 years in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Willaim Cook said. Their grandfather fought with Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders,
"I know my brother is looking around and he's looking down at all his brothers," William Cook said.
Burns served his Army tour of duty in Vietnam from July 1965 to July 1967, Died April 21, 2001, from heart disease and kidney failure directly associated with his exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange.
His nephew John Burns said his uncle, who was like a father to him after his own father died, never complained about his medical condition. He said the greatest gift his uncle gave him was teaching him how to be an American.
"He had been called to protect his country and he did so with honor - an honor he would never betray," John Burns said. "Despite all that life had thrown at him, he never showed anger toward his country. He did what had to be done to protect the country he loved so much and never looked back."
Cullen served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Vietnam for 11 months, from January through November 1970. He died Oct. 21, 2014, from complications from esophageal neoplasm.
Lopez was honored by his sister Joan. In the Army in Vietnam from November 1967 through November 1968, Lopez was married to his high school sweetheart for 44 years before he died June 14, 2013, at the age of 64, from diabetes.
His sister said Lopez received several commendations for his service, including one for his bravery during a sniper attack.
"We will forever be grateful to you for protecting our freedom and dedicating your life to your country," she said to her brother. "Your sacrifice was endless but your mission is finally complete."
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Palumbo was in the Army in Vietnam from April 1970 through January 1972. He died April 13, 2013, from lung cancer and diabetes brought about by his Agent Orange exposure.
"He was one of the lucky ones to come home," said his sister Peggy Palumbo. "We'll never forget your sacrifice, Pat...We won't forget your duty, your ultimate love of the country and our family."
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, whose son Kevin in May graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, called veterans "America's warriors" and "our heroes."
"To those who are here today, on behalf of a grateful state, I say thank you," she said. "Thank you for your love and your commitment. Thank you for putting service above self. Thank you for giving the ultimate."
She used the ceremony as an opportunity to announce the appointment of retired Maj. Gen. Clark Martin as the state's Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman. In the new position, Martin would be responsible for keeping New Jersey's remaining military bases open, which would, in turn, preserve services for the state's veterans.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.