Essex County Honors Veterans at Newark Ceremony
Essex County held its 2026 Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and presented Community Star Awards to several veterans.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Civic
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Essex County held its 2026 Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Newark on Monday. Honorees and veterans in attendance received Crispus Attucks Medals of Freedom presented by Adrian Counsel.
Why it matters
The ceremony recognizes the service of local veterans, including World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 12, 2026, so the event marks the lead-up to the national observance.
The ceremony honored several veterans, with Frederick Dammont, age 104, among those recognized for World War II service. The extraction does not specify how many veterans received awards in total.
The players
Essex County
Essex County is a county in northeastern New Jersey that includes Newark and hosts the annual Veterans Day ceremony and awards.
Adrian Counsel
Adrian Counsel is the official who presented the Crispus Attucks Medals of Freedom at the ceremony.
John Kelly
John Kelly is the mayor of Nutley who previously served as a JAG officer during a six-month deployment to Iraq.
The details
Essex County presented Essex County Community Star Awards to honorees, and Adrian Counsel presented each honoree and all veterans in attendance with a Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom. Honorees include Norris Holmes, who joined the Air Force in 1952 and fought in the Korean War, John Kelly, mayor of Nutley who served six months in Iraq as a JAG officer, and Saleem Muhammad, a Vietnam veteran.
Timeline
Early in the week of November 10, 2026: Essex County Veterans Day ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park in Newark.
November 12, 2026: Veterans Day falls on this date.
Civic Context
Essex County's ceremony follows the annual pattern of Veterans Day observances in New Jersey, held in the week before the November 12 national holiday. The Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom recognizes the Boston Massacre of 1770, linking local honors to the nation's revolutionary-era history.
The ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park in Newark and was open to the public to attend the honors. Residents interested in recognizing local veterans can attend future Essex County events announced through county channels.
The takeaway
Local ceremonies like Essex County's give residents a direct way to honor veterans and learn about their service. Attending or following county announcements is a simple step toward supporting those who served.
Further reading
Explore more civic news in Newark for local coverage of community ceremonies and honors.
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