HOLMDEL, N.J. (PIX11) - If not for Ralph Alfieri, a Vietnam veteran from Ridgewood, the Garden State may not have its Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
"Just a peaceful place to honor the servicepeople who perished in this war," said Alfieri.
The hallowed ground in Holmdel holds the names of the more than 1,500 New Jerseyans who served in the war but never came home. In 1992, Alfieri was responsible for its layout and construction.
"I just look back and say I was grateful for the opportunity to be here and help construct this monument for New Jersey families who lost their loved ones," said Alfieri.
For almost three decades, veterans have gathered here on Memorial Day for a ceremony to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The ceremony's keynote speaker, retired U.S. Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, had one message: appreciate their sacrifice and the enduring sadness of their families.
"My humble advice for all the veterans present today is to pay it forward," said Schwartz.
In time for Memorial Day, some big changes are inside the Vietnam Veterans Museum.
"Very excited," said CEO Amy Osborn, "because we want this place to be here forever and to keep educating the students who visit. Over 10,000 students a year visit our museum."
The first phase of the museum's refresh is complete with a new layout and seating area. Officials said they will now focus on bringing more technology to the museum to keep the next generation engaged.
"All of these great museums around the country, they have multimedia and they have interactive tools," said Osborn, "and that's what we're going to focus on in our phase two."
To learn more about the museum and how to support its expansion project, click here.
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