A decorated U.S. Army Reserves Colonel will join Burlington County Commissioners, elected officials, veterans, and residents to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country at the Burlington County Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30.
Army Reserves Col. John V. Wildermann, Congressional Legislative Liaison for the 99th Readiness Division headquartered on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, will deliver the keynote address at Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington Township. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., and residents are invited to attend.
The event will also feature remarks from Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and State Senator Troy Singleton. “Burlington County recognizes the service and sacrifice of all who have stepped forward to defend our nation,” said Eckel. “We are honored to have Col. Wildermann attend our County’s ceremony and help memorialize our heroes.”
Wildermann enlisted in the Army in 1998 and has held various leadership roles since then, including mobilization in support of the Global War on Terrorism from July 2005 through July 2007 and serving as Deputy Defense Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region 3 in Philadelphia during hurricane response efforts and COVID-19 operations. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal, among others.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony is held every May 30 in recognition of its origin in 1868 when General John A. Logan called for a national day of remembrance for those who died defending the country. “The heroes we honor on Memorial Day stepped forward to defend our nation and they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for that cause,” Eckel said. “Our responsibility is to ensure their service does matter, and that our nation continues to uphold the principles and freedoms so many have died to protect.”
Burlington County encompasses 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area; it operates under a Board of County Commissioners comprising five at-large members with Eve Cullinan serving as county administrator; includes three cities, six boroughs, thirty-one townships; features Historic Smithville Park; recognizes local women’s contributions through its Outstanding Women awards program; and offers library services aimed at enriching lives through learning opportunities, according to the official website.
