Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the heroic service of those Veterans of the New Jersey National Guard that made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Citizens of the State of New Jersey and the United State of America.

OCTOBER 19, 2011 – SSG Jorge M. Oliveira

NEWARK — An Army National Guardsman from Newark, N.J., has been killed in Afghanistan.

The Guard says 33-year-old Staff Sgt. Jorge Miguel Oliveira was killed Wednesday when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Oliveira was assigned to the Security Forces Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment. The Riverdale-based unit deployed to Afghanistan in June and was assigned to a provincial reconstruction team.

Oliveira joined the National Guard in 2003. He had served three years on Army active duty starting in 1997.

He is survived by his mother and father and a brother and sister.

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Funeral held for NJ soldier killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. – It was standing room only at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Friday as hundreds of police and soldiers showed up for the funeral of a New Jersey National Guardsman killed in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Jorge Oliveira, who was also an Essex County Sheriff’s detective, was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The 33-year-old native of Portugal and Newark resident joined the National Guard in 2003.

Oliveira was assigned to the Security Forces Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment. The unit deployed in June.

At the Mass, Gov. Chris Christie called the fallen solider “an American patriot committed to the great virtues and principles of our country.”

Christie first met with Oliveira’s family last week at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware when his body was flown there.

The Associated Press

JUNE 4-5, 2004 – SGT Frank T. Carvill, SPC Christopher M. Duffy, SGT Humberto Timoteo, SPC Ryan E. Doltz

The Department of Defense announced the death of the following New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom:

SGT Frank T. Carvill, 51, of Carlstadt, NJ
and
SPC. Christopher M. Duffy, 26, of Brick, NJ

Sgt. Carvill and Spc. Duffy died in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 4, 2004, when individuals using improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades attacked their convoy.

SGT Humberto F. Timoteo, 25, of Newark
and
SPC Ryan E. Doltz, 26, of Mine Hill

Sgt. Timoteo and Spc. Doltz died on June 5, 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq, when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

All four of these soldiers were assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery, in Lawrenceville.

These American soldiers answered our nation’s call to secure freedom for the oppressed people of Iraq. In doing so, they paid the ultimate price so that others may have what we so proudly enjoy.

Please remember these New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers and their families in your thoughts and in your prayers.

Guard Life