Memorial Day: Visiting the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, NJ
(NOTE: This article was originally published long before the COVID-19 pandemic, when a visit like this was encouraged, healthy and appropriate. We thought that during a very unique 2020 Memorial Day Weekend, it would be nice to re-visit this trip to the Paramus, New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home.)
Courage is always in style. When Peter Salerno and his daughter Gabrielle had the opportunity to visit the Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus, New Jersey, it was an offer that they couldn’t pass up.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Peter Salerno (owner of Peter Salerno Inc., the most award-winning North American custom kitchen and bath design firm of the 21st century) was humbled and honored to spend time with the residents of the Veterans Memorial Home. Operated by the State of New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home is a living love letter to those who have sacrificed bravely for the United States.
Peter and Gabrielle experienced an informative, life-changing tour, led expertly by two individuals: Anthony, the Home’s Recreation Director, and Susan, its Volunteer Director.
The mission statement of the Veterans Memorial Homes of New Jersey:
To honor and serve the Military Veteran, their spouses and Gold Star Parents by consistently providing the highest quality of resident directed long term care by maintaining excellence in personal services and treatment through professional collaboration, innovation and dedication; in a setting that promotes dignity and independence…. Our Homes provide a dignified environment to Veterans who have honorably served our country, and are now in need for nursing home services.
The Veterans Memorial Home is a beautiful facility, but the true beauty of the Home is its residents. The oldest residents are 102 years old and are proud veterans of World War II. Meeting these individuals was a privilege that Peter Salerno states he “will never forget”.
The benefits of the Home extend from veterans to their spouses, as well as to qualifying Gold Star parents of military veterans.
After his tour, Peter Salerno signed up to become a volunteer at the Paramus Veterans Memorial Homes. Peter and his family encourage citizens of New Jersey to explore becoming volunteers at these valuable Homes – volunteer efforts are greatly needed, and any amount of time one can dedicate is of tremendous value.
It was a day of gratitude for Peter Salerno and Gabrielle Mayer. Thank you to the volunteers who guided this wonderful tour, the NJ Veterans Affairs Department for housing our invaluable veterans and military heroes, and to the veterans of the United States Military for all they have given our country.
For more information about the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home and all the Homes in New Jersey, please visit the official website of NJ Veterans Affairs.
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