Knights of Columbus host ‘Honor Our Veterans’ program at parishes

Reverend John G. Hillier, Ph.D. 4th Degree - Council 11386

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Great War, as it was called prior to the start of World War II, ended. Initially called Armistice Day, it marked the end of hostilities when Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies. A year later, Armistice Day became a day to celebrate peace and to honor our men and women who served in the armed forces. In the United States in 1954, Armistice Day was renamed “Veterans Day,” while other nations either kept the name “Armistice Day” or renamed it “Remembrance Day.” Through the decades, as wars and conflicts arose, Veterans Day remained a day to honor our men and women who served, whether that service was during a time of war or peace.

For the fifth consecutive year, James Gallombardo, a member of St. ElizabethSt. Brigid Parish, Far Hills-Peapack, a past Grand Knight of the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council 11386 and district deputy for six Diocese of Metuchen councils, has been leading the charge to honor our veterans. Gallombardo created a program that includes a field of flags placed on the grounds of the church coupled with a short program comprising of a solemn blessing by the priest/pastor and musical selections.

This past November, a field of American flags were placed on the grounds of St. Brigid Church, and a custom placard was created with each veteran’s name along with branch of service logo and information provided by parishioners, such as service details, medals and ribbons earned. A black streamer was attached if the veteran was deceased. Msgr. Edward C. Puleo, pastor, St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish, blessed the field of flags, while the veterans in attendance offered a prayer for deceased veterans. Then, following a moment of silence, Gallombardo played “Taps” on a bugle. He also recruited the efforts of the talented church choir to sing “America the Beautiful” while the local Fourth Degree Assembly provided an Honor Guard.

When asked about his motivation for starting this program, Gallombardo stated, “It was definitely inspired by my father’s WWII service in the Navy and I thought this would be a great program to recognize all veterans in our parish family. It would also provide an opportunity for many of our communicants and parish organizations to come together in this common cause including the Knights Council, music ministry, parishioners and, of course, our priests. It also provides a very visible sign to the community at large as they pass by the church and notice how we Catholics honor our veterans. From a Knights of Columbus perspective, this program enables us to live out all four of our principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.” Gallombardo has offered to assist other parishes and councils to provide similar programs for our veterans. Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville, NJ hosted their first Honor Our Veterans program at the urging of Gallombardo. During the Supreme Convention in Nashville, Tennessee this past August, our clergy challenged the Knights to find creative ways to get parishioners back to Sunday Mass. Gallombardo feels that “running a program like this is one small way to help in that regard.”

The parish priests also think this is a worthwhile program for all Knights of Columbus to initiate in their parishes.

When asked for his perspective on the program, Msgr. Puleo, said, “Jim Gallombardo’s initiative has developed into a yearly custom at our parish, drawing parishioners of all ages to pause and recognize the unique contributions of our veterans. Both the living and deceased are honored, drawing special attention to those in our midst who were not previously identified as veterans. Many parishioners have thanked me for supporting this program. The Knights do the ward to each November.”

Father Brian J. Nolan, pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville, added: “The Veterans Day Program is a wonderful opportunity for the parish to honor those men and women who served our nation so bravely. Many parishioners show their gratitude to our veterans and our veterans are pleasantly surprised to see so many honoring their service. Our parish now has a new tradition courtesy of our Knights of Columbus Council 5959.” photos courtesy of Father John G. Hillier

Any other Councils that wish to receive more information on how to initiate this program in their parish next year may contact James Gallombardo at gallombardo@gmail.com.

In November, several parishes in the diocese observed Veterans Day with a program created by James Gallombardo, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11386. Top of page, American and Armed Forces flags adorn the lawn at St. Brigid Church, Peapack. Center photo, Father Brian J. Nolan, pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville, blesses the veterans of his parish and (left) blesses American flags for the living and deceased veterans of that parish. Above, members of the Honor Guard from George Washington Assembly 653 pose for a photo: (from left) Dan Germaine, Scott Morrisey, Bob Warren, Gallombardo and Hugh Gallagher.

Brothers and sisters, we are all called – the first gift, the call – we are all called by Jesus, we can all discern –the second gift, discernment – discern his presence, we can all experience his surprises – the third gift, the surprise. Today, it would be beautiful to remember these gifts: the call, discernment and the surprise, these gifts that we have already received – to think back to when we sensed God’s call in our life; or even when, perhaps after quite a struggle, we succeeded in discerning his voice; or even still, of an unforgettable surprise he gave us, astounding us. May Our Lady help us remember and treasure the gifts received.