'Day Of Service' Inspires Reflections On Dr. King's Legacy In Paramus

PARAMUS, NJ — The Paramus veterans home paid tribute to civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a "day of service" designed to inspire reflection on Dr. King's life and legacy of service to others.

The New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus, along with the state's two other veterans homes, held the observances to remember and honor Dr. King, welcoming elected officials, military personnel and veteran leaders to the facility.

In attendance were Sen. Joseph Vitale; Sen. Joseph Cryan, Chair of the State Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee; Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, Adjutant General of New Jersey; and Vincent Solomeno, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.

Events at the veterans homes included town square talks by selected speakers, a civil rights history quiz game, and soulful music tributes such as "Rise Up" by singer Andra Day.

"It is so important to take time to reflect on the meaning of service," Brig. Gen. Hou said. "Dr. King gives us so much through his example and his teachings. When we put service before self, when we summon courage and take risks to forge a better path for others, we make a meaningful impact in our community and the lives of others."