Cape May County, NJ
03/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2024 12:50
CMC Breaks Ground at Gerald Thornton Veterans Cemetery for Phase 1 Enhanced Beautification Project
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ - The Cape May County Board of Commissioners and invited dignitaries' broke ground Friday, March 15, on Phase 1 of the highly anticipated enhanced beautification project at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans Cemetery.
Participating in the groundbreaking were Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio, Commissioner Bobby Barr, liaison to the Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Melanie Collette and Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, along with former Commissioner Director Gerald Thornton. Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen were also present for remarks.
The event marked a significant milestone in the County's ongoing commitment to honoring veterans who served our Country and their spouses. Distinguished guests, veterans, and community members gathered at the cemetery to witness the symbolic turning of the soil and learn more about the planned upgrades to the cemetery.
In his remarks, Commission Director Leonard Desiderio said, "This beautification project has been in the planning process for a while, and we are honored to be standing here today to break ground and show our Veterans and their families our commitment to provide them with a beautiful and peaceful final resting place."
Commissioner Bobby Barr, added, "This is a proud moment for the Board of Commissioner and all Veterans and their families. Today and every day we pay our respects to our men and women who served our country. This cemetery is tribute to all who served and will allow families, members of the community and visitors alike to come and pay their respect to our military heroes."
Enhancements will include entryway improvements and new pathways for accessibility and easy navigation throughout the cemetery.
"As we celebrate the start of this project, our focus shifts to completing Phase One. We anticipate a majority of the improvements will be completed before the County's annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th," added Desiderio.
With $1.68 million in contract costs, the enhanced beautification project includes 13,030 square yards of interior roadway asphalt, 3100 square yards of topsoil seeding, 22,000 brick pavers, new curbs and sidewalk, lighting upgrades, 24 new shade ornamental and evergreen trees, over 1000 new plants, and a Ceremony/reflection plaza w/ 6 benches for seating.
Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, established in 1980, has served as a final resting place for our brave veterans. Operated by the Board of County Commissioners, it is a testament to Cape May County's commitment to honor those who have selflessly served our county and country.