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Some Toms River Vets Disappointed At Memorial Day Turnout
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Veterans came out to honor their own during this year's Memorial Day recognition. |
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TOMS RIVER - A few hundred parade goers turned out to honor veterans last week at the 77th annual Toms River Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the American Legion 129.
Toms River residents Shannon and John Budenas were among those glad to be there.
In two weeks, John Budenas will leave for Iraq with the New Jersey Air National Guard. The young couple wanted their two daughters, Riley, 16 months, and Haley, 3, to mark the day and remember.
They took time out from their hectic schedule to pay homage to veterans, said John, and most notably, "to teach the kids respect for the service and its importance."
"Their grandfathers are veterans of the Army and Navy," he said proudly.
"He has been going back and forth since 2001," said Shannon. Budenas recently returned from Saudi Arabia.
"This time, I am going to Iraq," he said with Haley in his arms at the parade.
Shannon said that having a big family helps her to cope when he is gone. "We both have large supportive families. We do the best we can," said the young soldier's wife.
Such stories are not at all uncommon.
"There are thousands of stories," said Teresa Frassetto, mother of Vincent Frassetto, the 21-year-old Toms River resident who was killed last year in Iraq.
"Each man and woman has their own story. My son did not ask to be a hero. He did what he had to do and he did it well. For me, Memorial Day will never be the same," she said. "Freedom is not free but it is worth fighting for."
Applause followed her speech at the solemn event.
World War II Navy veteran and VFW Post 6063 Treasurer Russell Ruymen, who was a radioman in the Pacific and among the third wave to hit shore in Okinawa, said that veterans should never be forgotten. "I would have liked to see more people come out to honor veterans," Ruymen said.
The small attendance at the parade irked the old timers who spoke out at the A. Jay Weeks VFW Post 6063 in Toms River.
Post service officer Ernie Dolan, who fought near DaNang in the Vietnam War as a Marine Corp rifleman, said, "People care. The people here are great. They care very much. I just wish more people were here."
Peter Gresek, a WW II Navy veteran who will turn 80 in July, said he was disappointed at the turnout. "They come out for all the other parades and activities," he said accompanied by his son, Dean.
Gleeful attendees, however, were 7-yearold twins Eric and John, with their father, Toms Knudsen, who said, "We give thanks to the vets for keeping us safe and protecting our freedom."
During the parade, 8-year-old Caitlyn ran along the route with her grandpa, Pat. "It's important for her to learn," he said, keeping up with the child.
Air Force Desert Storm veteran Eric Randolph carried his son, Shay, 1, on his shoulders to get a good view. "Shay's grandfather was in the Coast Guard," he said, "and his two great-grandfathers are veterans of both World Wars."
"It's not the politicians that keep people free. It's the veterans," said Randolph.
World War II veterans Fred Teitelbaum, Phil Ciavarella, Mike Farano and Patrick Loftus watched as the American flag was raised in front of the VFW post in honor of the day. A wreath was also placed on a memorial in front of town hall.
"I'm glad we showed our respect for our vets," said Carmen Torrise, a member of Post 6063. "It's important to teach the youngsters."
"This is great," exclaimed Cub Scouts Chris and Peter, with George Shenouda, Troop 7, as they watched the flag being hoisted up from half-mast.
Mayor Paul C. Brush said that, "veterans should know that they are remembered."
The mayor said that as he walked the parade route along Washington Street, he noted the enthusiasm of the parade goers who were waving flags and cheering the contingent of military veterans, police and
Scouts who participated.
"People were excited," said the mayor. "And their enthusiasm was exhilarating."
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