Newark, NJ – May 25, 2011 – The City of Newark and the G.I. Go Fund will host a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor Newark residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America’s freedom on Thursday, May 26, at 8:30 a.m., at One Gateway Center, and the John Basilone Memorial, located at Raymond Plaza West and Raymond Boulevard.
 
The City of Newark and its residents have served America since the American Revolution. More than 100 Newarkers died in the Vietnam War, as well as three in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2009, the City of Newark welcomed home 100 residents who served in New Jersey National Guard and Reserve units, from their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. These warriors were among the largest deployment of New Jersey National Guard members overseas since World War II.
 
The G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center of Newark is a non-profit office, located in Newark City Hall, which provides and coordinates a vast array of services and support to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as all U.S. veterans.
 
The ceremony is being held this year at the John Basilone Memorial, which stands at the Gateway Center, at the corner of Raymond Plaza West and Raymond Boulevard. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Basilone, a Raritan native, earned the Medal of Honor on Guadalcanal during World War II and a posthumous Silver Star on Iwo Jima. The Marine’s life was the subject of the recent Emmy Award-winning HBO miniseries “The Pacific.”
 
WHO: The City of Newark, the G.I. Go Fund, representatives of Newark veterans’ organizations and other dignitaries.
 
WHAT: Flag and Wreath Laying Ceremony in observance of Memorial Day honoring Newark residents who have fallen in America’s wars.
          
WHEN: Thursday, May 26 at 8:30 a.m.
                      
WHERE: John Basilone Memorial - One Gateway Center, Raymond Plaza West and Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ
 
Contact: Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004
Email: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us