Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored Veterans Day, speaking at the Ramsey Borough ceremony in Veterans Park at Bonney View. Gottheimer thanked the veterans in attendance and told the story of Ramsey’s Master Sergeant Charles E. Hosking, Jr., who was awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action. He also remembered those Ramsey veterans who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan: Army Corporal Michael Jankiewicz, Special Forces Staff Sergeant Eric Christian, and Army Staff Sergeant Timothy McGill.

Said Congressman Gottheimer, “There is no commitment more sacred than the one our nation has made to those who serve and have served in the military. In Washington, I will continue to do everything I can to stand by you who have stood by us through your service. We must stand by you at every step of service. Among my proudest moments in office are the opportunities to help the 32,000 Fifth District veterans I am honored to represent.”

Video of Gottheimer’s remarks can be found HERE.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) stands with Mayor Deirdre Dillon (right) and Ramsey Veterans.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s remarks as prepared for delivery.

There is no commitment more sacred than the one our nation has made to those who serve and have served in the military. In Washington, I will continue to do everything I can to stand by you who have stood by us through your service. We must stand by you at every step of service.

In 1926, when Congress first established November 11th as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the end of World War I, and in 1954 declared it “Veterans Day” in honor of American veterans of all wars.

In the same vein, the Ramsey community began building this memorial in honor of the 93 Ramsey veterans who heeded the nation’s call and served in the Great War in 1917 and 1918, including five Ramsey servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This ground here in Veterans Park beautifully commemorates the long tradition of Ramsey men and women who have served their country from World War I, to World War II, to Korea and Vietnam. And of course, today we remember those who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Corporal Michael Jankiewicz, Special Forces Staff Sergeant Eric Christian, and Army Staff Sergeant Timothy McGill.

Veterans Park here keeps alive stories of American heroes like Ramsey’s Master Sergeant Charles E. Hosking, Jr., who was awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action in Vietnam in 1967, when he wrestled a Viet Cong sniper with a fully armed hand grenade to the ground and gave his own life.

But Sergeant Hosking that day saved the lives of four members of his Company Command Group, who were standing a few feet away. Their families saw their return because of Sergeant Hosking’s heroism and bravery. And it is my honor to be here in his hometown on Veterans Day, thanking him and his countless neighbors for their service and sacrifice.

Among my proudest moments in office are the opportunities to help the 32,000 Fifth District veterans I am honored to represent. Earlier this year, I was humbled to present Calvin Wagner, a 91-year-old World War II veteran and West Milford resident with the missing medals that he earned in service to our nation.

Because we’ve all seen headlines about the problems the Veterans Administration is facing: keeping our veterans waiting too long to get care, struggling to fill vacant positions.

It’s why I joined with Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, to encourage the VA to promote in-person mental health services at the new CBOC in Newton.

There must never be anything partisan or political about standing by those who get our backs – and protect our freedom and way of life.

I started my day yesterday with my family at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.. And as I was telling my children about their grandfather, a World War II Captain, in front of the New Jersey plaque, another Member walked up from California and we spoke together with our families. We remembered together that we are standing on the shoulders of giants.

Again, I am proud to be with you all for this occasion.

So thank you to all of the veterans here who lead when they heard the call and defended our nation honorably.

Thank you again for having me here, and thank you for your service. We live in the greatest country in the world and, with men and women like you, our best days will always be ahead of us.

God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.