Governor's Education News Service
Department of Education and Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
collect more than 125,000 holiday cards from students for US military
service men and women as part of Governor Christie's "Season of Service"
For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Justin Barra
Allison Kobus
Dec. 16, 2011
609-292-1126
Trenton, NJ -As part of Governor Christie's "Season of Service," the
Department of Education and Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
announced today that they have collected more than 125,000 holiday cards
from across the state for U.S. military service members. Acting
Education Commissioner Chris Cerf and Col. Mark Preston from the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs collected letters and
participated in a "Holiday Greetings to the U.S. Military" school
assembly today at Greenwood Elementary School in Hamilton Township.
"These cards and letters are incredibly meaningful to our service
members stationed overseas and they provide an opportunity for us to
show our appreciation for their service to our country," Acting
Commissioner Cerf said. "Just a couple of weeks ago, we asked schools
across the state to consider participating in the holiday cards and
letters project. The overwhelming response we received from our school
children is a heart-warming demonstration of patriotism and
volunteerism, showing that New Jerseyans truly care and support our
friends and neighbors in the U.S. Military."
"The holiday season is especially difficult for those service members
who are unable to spend it with their loved ones," said Brig. Gen. James
J. Grant, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "Although nothing
can extinguish the pain of being away from family during this time, our
troops will find comfort in the children's holiday cards and know that
Americans recognize their selflessness and commitment to our nation's
security."
The Season of Service was inspired by 8-year-old Aiden McManus, a New
Jersey Hero who has been devoting his time and hard-earned money to feed
the homeless and those in need in Burlington County. Nearly 1.5 million
New Jerseyans are already positively influencing communities across the
state by volunteering their services through local groups, houses of
worship and civic organizations.
In addition to the event today, Acting Commissioner Cerf has
participated in several public service events in the month of December.
On December 15, Acting Commissioner Cerf tutored high school students in
Irvington as an example of ways that community members across the state
can give back to their public schools. On December 2, Acting
Commissioner Cerf participated in a holiday coat drive in Trenton.
In addition to the Mercer County assembly, Holiday Greetings to the U.S.
Military events are taking place in six schools around the state with
members of the State Board of Education.
Concurrent Event - Bergen County
Municipality, County - Woodcliff Lake, Bergen County
School - Woodcliff Middle School
School - Dorchester Elementary School
Events -assembly
NJDOE Representative - NJ State School Board Vice Chair Ilan Plawker
Concurrent Event - Essex County
Municipality, County - West Orange, Essex County
School - Gregory School
Event -assembly
NJDOE Representative - NJ State Board of Education Member Dorothy
Strickland
NJDMAVA Representative - LTC. John Langston
Concurrent Event - Warren County
Municipality, County - Oxford Township, Warren County
School - Oxford Central School
Event -assembly
NJDOE Representative - NJ State Board of Education Member Jack Fornaro
Associated Event - Hunterdon County
Date and Time - Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, 2:30 to 3 p.m.
Municipality, County - Annandale, Hunterdon County
School - North Hunterdon Regional High School
Address - 1445 State Route 31, Annandale, NJ 08801
Event - Military personnel will attend Interact Club meeting, members
consist of over 400 students
Associated Event - Union County
Date and Time - Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, 10 a.m.
Municipality, County - Kenilworth, Union County
School - Warren G. Harding Elementary School
Address -426 BOULEVARD, KENILWORTH, NJ 07033-1529
Event -assembly
NJDOE Representative - NJ State School Board Member Jack Fornaro
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