Holmdel's Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Service To Host Whitman

HOLMDEL, NJ— It will be 25 years to the day on Monday that former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman cut the ribbon for the new Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center in Holmdel, its executive officer notes.

And on that anniversary, Whitman will be addressing an expected crowd of more than 300, said Amy Osborn, the new president and CEO of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation.

Osborn expects Whitman will discuss the significance of the Educational Center - how it not only informs the public about the Vietnam War but also "what the Educational Center means to veterans," Osborn said.

The ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday will have many connections among the participants.

Osborn said the governor's late husband John Whitman was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. His funeral service was held there after he died in 2015, Osborn said.

"I think this memorial is really a hallmark of Gov. Whitman's," Osborn said of the governor's administration from 1994 to 2001.

Osborn herself spent many years working for the state Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, and also worked as a staffer for former state Sen. Nicholas Asselta (1st District), himself a Gold Star family member.

Asselta will be the keynote speaker for the event, remembering his brother, Charles C. Asselta, said Osborn. "His name is on the Wall," she said, referring to the Vietnam War memorial.

Col. Michael Warner (Retired) will begin the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Osborn worked with him in the military affairs department, she said. He is a foundation trustee and vice chairman.

The National Anthem will be sung by Jade Glab, Miss New Jersey 2019 - another connection for Osborn, who herself was Miss New Jersey of 1991 - a "pageant sister," as she referred to Glab.

There will be many other elements to the ceremony as well, including the presentation of wreaths by Lou Vlahakes, a foundation trustee.

Osborn has been working in military or government affairs for more than 30 years now, she said.

And in her new role she will be informing the public about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

The monument honors New Jersey natives who served in the Vietnam War, especially the 1,562 men and one woman who lost their lives or went missing in action, information about the memorial states.

Dedicated in 1995, the memorial is located on the grounds of the PNC Bank Arts Center at 1 Memorial Lane.

It is adjacent to the Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center.

"It is such a meaningful place," Osborn said. "It's a place of peace and catharsis."