Honoring Military Service for Veteran's Day

At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, Front End Manager Rick May served in the US Navy for many years. His military memorabilia is currently on display near the Customer Service desk. Rick wrote the balance of this post.

The military memorabilia on display dates from World War II up thru 1995.

William H. Buck, wife's Grandfather, served in and retired from the New Jersey National Guard in 1966. The items that are on display here are from the collection that he passed down to my wife. They include items such as Food Ration Books that were used during WWII, and his pay slip from November 6, 1960 for a 16-day Summer Camp, which shows that as a E-5 with 18 years of service he received a whopping $136.00.

Other items include an invitation to a Welcome Home Party dated May 4, 1946, a copy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin newspaper that was dedicated to pictures and news clips from WWII, a book titled “The State Defense Force Manual” and several other items from that era.

Paul J. Cox Sr. was my Father-In-Law. He served in the Army from 1950 to 1953 and was stationed in Korea as a Communications Technician. The poster board was done by my wife and sons to honor Dad’s service at his viewing earlier this year. 

There are pictures of Dad over in Korea and the medals that he was awarded. In addition, there is a Letter of Appreciation and medal awarded to him from the South Korean Government for his service during the Korean War. There is also a clipping of a story about two childhood friends that entered the service at different times and met up in Korea. Also, there is a very touching plaque that was given to us from McGuiness Funeral Home when Dad passed last February. In the upper right corner is the crest of the United States Army and in the lower left corner is a picture of Dad in Korea and the following words that are meant for all who have served, are still serving, and will serve in the United States Military:

When American has an urgent need
These brave ones raised a hand
No hesitation held them back
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their family and friends
They gave up normal life
To serve their country and their God
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute every one of them
The noble and the brave
The ones still with us here today
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes
They’re a cut above the rest
Let’s give them the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

“Never was so much owed by so many to so few”

All of the remaining items are mine, Rick May, Front End Manager here at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville.

I joined the Navy in January of 1970 and retired in January of 1995, after 25 years of military service. The items include a Shadow Box that walks you through my duty stations, the ranks that I held and the awards that I was given. There are pictures of two of the ships that I served on: the  USS Robert A. Owens, DD-827, and the USS Michael J. Estocin, FFG-15. Not pictured are the other ships that I served on: USS Forrestal, CVA-59, USS Independence, CVA-61, and USS Steinaker, DD-863. There are also some plaques and certificates that I was awarded, and for a good laugh, there is a picture of my company in Boot Camp at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Ill. from 1970. And there is a picture of me when I returned from Boot Camp at the young age of 17.

I asked Toni, our Store Manager, if I could bring in a few items to display for Veteran's Day and what you see is her answer. I am very proud of the service of my wife’s family and my own; combined it totals about 130 years of military service.

On this Veterans Day we, the Joe Canal's family, wish to thank each and every person that has served, is serving and will serve in the days ahead. My God Bless each of you and bring you back to your waiting families loved ones safe and sound.