Key Note Speaker Major Anthony DeStefano

 

 

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NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

Observer Tribune Article

WASHINGTON TWP. — Never let it be said that Washington Township veterans lack preparation.

When it looked like the weather wasn’t going to co-operate for Memorial Day festivities, they never hesitated in turning to Plan B which included a typed-up alternate list of activities inserted into the hand out programs.

Organizers didn’t miss a beat by moving the ceremonies indoors to the Community Center. Although it might have been a touch cramped, the Saturday, May 23 event went swimmingly.

The event was sponsored by Washington Township Parks and Recreation and the American Veterans Association of Washington Township Post 1776.

 

“(Organizers) Bernie (Schettling) and Darlene (Hatcher) are tremendous,’’ said Master of Ceremonies Thomas McBride. “We didn’t make the determination until early this morning that we were going to do it inside. We had a back up plan that worked.’’

McBride enjoyed what was probably his last time as Master of Ceremonies. The long-time Navy officer and Post 1776 Commander has retired from his post with Ed Twomey becoming the new leader.

“I thought it was fantastic,’’ said Twomey who did offer some thoughts during the ceremony. “We were pretty flexible in what we had to do as far as setting up. But the people who showed up were great.

“I think we were used to it from our training in the service. As a veterans group, we have learned to adapt to anything. It was well handled.’’

Washington Township Mayor Michael Marino said a day like Memorial Day was appropriate in talking about the sacrifice of veterans in protection of the country.

“The interesting thing is we are always inconvenienced,’’ Marino said. “It’s cold. It’s rainy, It’s hot. When you think about what they had to endure and their life depended upon them enduring it. It’s amazing and this is another example of it.’’

The keynote speaker was retired  Army Major Anthony DeStefano. The long-time communications specialist has been involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from developing satellite circuit systems to helping implement telemedicine in the combat theater.

His speech was at times riveting, focusing on the meaning of sacrifice and in particular the fate of Medal of Honor recipient Ernest Evans and the crew of the Destroyer USS Johnston in what was known as part of the Battle of Samar in late October 1944.

The destroyer faced an overwhelming Japanese invasion force consisting of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers.

Refusing to retreat, Evans and his men boldly charged a superior fleet to protect vulnerable American escort carriers.

Despite severe damage and taking heavy fire, the USS Johnston fought for more than three hours before ultimately succumbing to the attack. Some 187 men perished on the ship that sank in deep water. In the meantime, five of the six escort carriers were saved.

“He would never know the impact of his heroics that day,’’ DeStefano said. “He would never know that to this day his show of initiative against overwhelming odds is still taught not just at Annapolis but at naval academies around the world.’’

The Memorial Day ceremony began with Pastor Jeff Quinn of Valley View Chapel providing an opening prayer.

During portions of the ceremony, the West Morris Central High School A Capella Choir sang “God Bless America”, “Amazing Grace” and “America The Beautiful”.

Schettling, who is the adjutant of Post 1776, acknowledged the township’s fallen heroes.

There was a flag folding ceremony conducted by veterans Larry Oppel, John Groel and Rod Della Salla. The veterans not only folded the flag but explained what each fold symbolized in the ceremony.

Special guests at the ceremony included: Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Township Committeemen Matthew Murello, Larry Bajek and Walt Curioni and Police Chief Jeffrey Almer.

Also in attendance were Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops and representatives from the Knights of Columbus, the Washington Township Police Honor Guard, the Long Valley First Aid Squad, Washington Township Fire Companies and others.

“I thought maybe 30 people would show but when they filled the room I was amazed,’’ DeStefano said afterwards. “The day is not about us. It’s about the people less fortunate than us. We got shot at but they missed. This is about the ones they didn’t miss.’’

 

 

Long Valley 6th-Grader, Boy Scout Reflects On Memorial Day Ceremony

https://patch.com/new-jersey/longvalley/long-valley-6th-grader-boy-scout-reflects-memorial-day-ceremony?user_email=3d8726efffcb363eb8432934b8c3e96a0a77a87a0f562f1b7fb8938cf0f2541c&user_email_md5=057197755ffbd54b987a129269c26722&lctg=4d38ad95cc0c1adbb07d6bf8

On May 22, 2026 the Veterans of Post 1776 attended a flag raising at the Kossman and Flocktown Schools.   All the veterans would like to thank all the staff and teachers for their hospitality and a great breakfast.

On May 20, 2026 the Veterans of Post 1776 attended a flag raising at Old Farmers Road School.   All the veterans would like to thank all the staff and teachers for their hospitality and a great breakfast.

 

On November 12. 2025 Post 1776 participated in a  Flag Raising at the Cucinella School.  Following the Flag raising the veterans broke up into groups and visited 5^th Grade Classrooms for question and answer time.  Breakfast & Refreshments were offered to the veterans following classroom presentations.

On November 11, 2025 students from Flocktown and Kossman school joined post 1776 in a Flag Raising. outside of the Kossman school.  A nice brunch was also offered to the Veterans.