Jackson to Host 7th Annual Wounded Warrior Event

Jackson Township is preparing for it's annual big warm welcome for veterans of all conflicts this coming Saturday.

The annual event began seven years ago as a free day of fun for Wounded Warriors at the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club but Mayor Mike Reina said the event has since morphed into a motorcade of honor where crowds line the route with flags.

"Our main central assembly point is the Justice Complex and then from there, we will get anyone who wants to participate, we'll line them up in order of how many people we have, whether or not it will be motorcycle groups, it'll be antique cars, classic cars, trucks, naturally we have fire apparatus, we have first aid vehicles, police vehicles and we'll just line em up and we'll honor the warriors, the veterans, whoever wants to attend is welcome and we just take a slow ride out to the club."

Reina said volunteers begin setting up the Central Jersey Rifle And Pistol Club very early in the morning for a full day of activities and food for the veterans and their guest.

"They introduce people to handguns, rifles, bow and arrow and you're able to participate, they will instruct you and there's a luncheon to follow."

Area businesses also donate food, beverages and other items for the event. Reina said the appreciation he gets after the event is enough of a motivator to continue the say of appreciation.

"I've met World War II veterans, Korea, Vietnam, mostly I get, thank you so much. Not everybody does this," he said.

The veterans gather at 9 a.m. on October 11th and the parade begins rolling at around 9:30. Spectators are asked to cheer them on along West Veterans Highway to South Stump Tavern Road.

Any agency, club or group wishing to take part should contact Mayor Reina's office at 732-928-1200 ext. 1211. All Wounded Warriors and Veterans from any War who are interested in attending should email Al Dolce at njgunfun@gmail.com.