PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Presents Service Medal to 57 Brave North Jersey Veterans

Above: Gottheimer speaks at the New Jersey State Service Medal to honor local veterans.

PARAMUS, NJ — Today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) presented the New Jersey State Service Medal to 57 North Jersey veterans at a ceremony honoring their courage and sacrifice in defense of our country.

Watch the full remarks here.

“These are fifty-seven stories of courage, fifty-seven stories of sacrifice, and fifty-seven reasons we have the honor of living in the greatest country the world has ever known,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “There is no higher calling than raising your hand and volunteering to serve to protect our flag.”

Gottheimer continued, “None of these veterans served for the glory or the paycheck — they served because they love our country and were willing to put everything on the line to protect their fellow Americans. I’ll keep fighting in Washington to make sure they get the resources, care, and recognition they deserve.”

Among today’s honorees was Paramus resident Librado Lombana, who joined the Army at seventeen and served with the 82nd Brigade Engineers from 1962 to 1966, building bridges and infrastructure across the Philippines, Guam, Vietnam, and Korea. Gottheimer has long been a champion for veterans and their families throughout his time in Congress, fighting to expand access to benefits, mental health care, and resources for service members and their loved ones.

Gottheimer was joined by Senator Cory Booker, Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, and Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno. He was also joined by Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, NJ State Senator Joe Lagana, NJ State Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, NJ State Assemblyman Chris Tully, Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza, Paramus Councilman Alfredo Nadera, and Paramus Councilman Robert Kaiser.

Below: Gottheimer presents New Jersey State Service Medal to local veterans.

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