This group of volunteers is hoping to raise funds to continue providing honor guard services to county veterans. Watch video
MONROE TWP. -- A low stone wall at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery features the insignia of each branch of the Armed Services and an inscription on that wall reads, "Honoring our veterans who served our nation in peace and war. Bring them home."
Standing by that wall on a recent morning, World War II veteran George R. Brown recalled its construction.
World War II Army nurse Dot Kennedy, and Honor Guard Captain George Brown present a wreath to Private First Class Bill Hughes during a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Monroe Township, Sunday, May 25, 2014. (Joe Warner/South Jersey Times)"When the contractors finished this wall, before the cap was put on, one of the Marine Corps members placed his Purple Heart inside the wall and stated that the cemetery now has a heart. Inside this wall is the Purple Heart."
Brown and fellow members of the cemetery's honor guard ensure the "heart" of this place is on display every time a veteran is laid to rest.
This group of volunteers is hoping to raise funds to continue providing honor guard services to county veterans.
At 90 years old, Brown, who served with the U.S. Army 1315th Engineers in the Philippines during WWII, is a charter member of the Gloucester County Veterans Advisory Council and serves as captain of the honor guard.
Since the cemetery's opening in 2004, the guard has served at more than 2,000 funerals. They also take part in Memorial Day ceremonies and other occasions at the cemetery.
The honor guard currently consists of 23 veterans. They aren't paid for this service and are on call whenever they are needed. They serve in all kinds of weather, averaging 17 funerals a month. Sometimes they attend several funerals in a single day.
Thursday morning was a quiet one at the cemetery. No funerals were scheduled. Groundskeepers tended to the immaculate turf while a few families stopped to pay respects to loved ones.
The next few days will see at least two funerals and the honor guard will be there.
"We enjoy the service we give," Brown said. "It makes us feel good that we do this and people are really happy about us performing this service."
Joseph F. Bradley, a Korean War veteran and member of the Gloucester County Veterans Advisory Council, is working to help encourage donations to the honor guard.
Those crisp uniforms and related gear aren't cheap. A full uniform costs about $250.
Bradley reaches out to funeral homes, veterans organizations, veteran-owned businesses and anyone else he can find to support the guard's work.
"I've dedicated myself to supporting the honor guard and the cemetery," Bradley said. "I try to do as much as I can."
The veterans advisory council provides as much funding as possible to cover expenses, but the money often isn't available.
"The honor guard is supported by donations from the public and different organizations," Bradley said. "They are continuously in need of support because the only funding they have is from contributions.
"Frequently there is a shortfall. That's where fundraising and charitable donations come in."
Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery Honor Guard present colors during the Gloucester County Memorial Day Service, Sunday, May 24, 2015. (Calista Condo | For NJ.com) Recurring expenses include uniforms, equipment and even blank ammunition rounds for rifle salutes.
Over time, shirts, shoes and other items of honor guard attire need replacing. In some cases, members need to pay for these items themselves.
As someone leaves the honor guard, or needs to move up a pants size, garments are handed to new volunteers. Nothing goes to waste.
Honor guard members feel a strong sense of duty, Brown explained.
"The reason they do it is because they feel any deceased veteran that needs a service should have it," he said.
While the ceremonies are solemn occasions, the group finds time to lighten the mood in between services.
"We have a lot of fun together. We enjoy doing what we do. In fact, one of the fellas in the honor guard says we put the 'fun' in funeral," Brown chuckled. "But when the funeral gets here, we're serious."
As the sun tried to brighten a gloomy Thursday morning, Frances Bacchieri prepared to head home after visiting her father's grave. James Brandemarte, of Williamstown, served in the U.S. Navy in Japan during the Vietnam War and died in September.
"It was very heartwarming," Bacchieri said of the funeral service and the honor guard's work. "There were a lot of tears."
In addition to her family asking for donations to the cemetery in lieu of flowers when her father died, Bacchieri said she now donates to the cemetery after seeing the respect shown for people like her father.
"It's just beautiful," she said. "We can't ever do enough for our veterans. They put their life on the line for us ... for our freedom."
For anyone wishing to donate to assist the honor guard, checks may be made payable to Veterans Advisory Council, Gloucester County Veterans Affairs Office, P.O. Box 337, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Mark the check "Cemetery Honor Guard" and send it to the attention of Robert Jonas.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.