The ceremonial groundbreaking marks the first phase of a nearly $1.7 million project. (Photos courtesy of Cape May County)
The Cape May County Board of Commissioners and invited dignitaries broke ground Friday, March 15, on the first phase a highly anticipated beautification project at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans Cemetery in Cape May Court House.
Participating in the groundbreaking were Commission Director Leonard Desiderio, Commissioner Bob Barr, liaison to Veterans Affairs, Commissioner Melanie Collette and Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, along with former Commission Director Gerald Thornton. Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen also were present for remarks.
The event marked a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans and their spouses.
Distinguished guests, veterans and community members gathered at the cemetery to witness the symbolic turning of the soil and learn more about the planned upgrades to the cemetery.
“This beautification project has been in the planning process for a while, and we are honored to be standing here today to break ground and show our veterans and their families our commitment to provide them with a beautiful and peaceful final resting place,” Desiderio said in a news release.
“As we celebrate the start of this project, our focus shifts to completing phase one. We anticipate a majority of the improvements will be completed before the county’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th,” Desiderio added.
Commissioner Bob Barr, second from right, gives remarks during the ceremony.
With $1.68 million in contract costs, the enhanced beautification project includes 13,030 square yards of interior roadway asphalt, 3,100 square yards of topsoil seeding, 22,000 brick pavers, new curbs and sidewalk, lighting upgrades, 24 new shade ornamental and evergreen trees, over 1,000 new plants, and a ceremony/reflection plaza with six benches for seating.
“This is a proud moment for the Board of Commissioners and all veterans and their families. Today and every day, we pay our respects to our men and women who served our country. This cemetery is tribute to all who served and will allow families, members of the community and visitors alike to come and pay their respect to our military heroes,” Barr said.
The Cape May County Veterans Cemetery has served as a final resting place for veterans since it was founded in 1980.
Operated by the Board of County Commissioners, it is a testament to Cape May County’s commitment to honor those who have selflessly served the county and country, the release stated.
