New Jersey State Memorial Day Observance Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Brigadier General Hou, thanks for that kind introduction. Let me also acknowledge:

• Governor Murphy, Congressman Kim, Vincent Solomeno, and all of the state, county, and local officials with us today;
• Members of New Jersey’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the 108^th Wing, the 177^th Fighter Wing, and all of the military retirees here today—thank you for coming;
• The New Jersey National Guard 63rd Army Band and Joint Color Guard; Chaplain Simon; and the Pemberton High School Choraliers—thank you for making this ceremony even more meaningful;
• Most importantly, our Veterans, your family members and your friends; other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen;

I’m honored to join all of you here today at the beautiful Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorial Day commemorations are an important moment for all of us to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation. Your presence here is testimony to your commitment to those fallen heroes—and to the forces that stand guard the world round every day.

These remembrances are especially important to my VA colleagues from our National Cemetery Administration, NCA, because they have the great privilege, honor, and responsibility of caring for VA’s 155 national cemeteries, where four million Veterans lay in eternal rest. About 70% of our NCA colleagues are Veterans themselves, the highest percentage in the federal government. So, they know and appreciate what it takes to serve our country, and they know the cost of freedom because they see it every day.

We’re justifiably proud of our NCA colleagues. And we’re just as proud of working as partners with state Veterans cemeteries—121 VA-grant funded state cemeteries located in 49 states, territories, and tribal lands. That’s why I’m so glad to be here today at this exceptionally beautiful New Jersey State Veterans Cemetery.

And whether at a VA National Cemetery or a State Veterans Cemetery such as this, we all come together today to pay our respects and to reflect on the high cost of freedom because Americans have been putting their lives on the line, protecting our way of life, since before our nation was founded—during times of war and periods of restless peace between.

From the American Revolution concluded more than 240 years ago—through the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, from the Civil War through the Spanish-American War and World War I, from World War II through the Korean War to Vietnam—which the last American troops left 50 years ago this year—to Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, young Americans have served, sacrificed, and endured untold hardships across our nation and around the world.

They are Americans like Major Thomas McGuire Jr., from Ridgewood New Jersey. Major McGuire was the commanding officer of the 431^st Fighter Squadron in the Army Air Force in the Pacific Theater during World War II—flying P-38 Lightning fighters. Over a period of two days in December of 1944, he voluntarily led two dangerous missions, shooting down numerous Japanese fighters and risking his life coming to the aid of other pilots.

During the war, Major McGuire shot down a total of 38 enemy aircraft, the second highest total in the Pacific Theater. On January 7^th, 1945, while in pursuit of more victories, his aircraft went down. He was killed instantly. His body was not recovered until 1949. McGuire Air Force Base, in this great state of New Jersey, is named for Major McGuire.

They are Americans like Major Francis Burke, who moved to New Jersey as a child and remained here for the rest of his life. Major Burke was a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard before WWII. Activated in 1941, he earned his commission through OCS and was subsequently assigned to the 15^th Infantry, 3^rd Infantry Division. He saw combat in the North African and Italian campaigns before he entered Germany.

And on April 17, 1945, in war-torn Nuremberg, Germany, he displayed “gallantry and intrepidity involving risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” while fighting heroically for over four hours. Armed with a light machinegun, rifle, and grenades, he singlehandedly engaged a group of enemy about to counterattack, drove them back, and then destroyed an enemy machinegun position. He then attacked and defeated a group of enemy infantrymen who were in destroyed buildings. Afterwards, he joined and led two more American small units in vicious fighting, personally killing 11 enemy Soldiers and wounding three more during the engagements.

Major Burke survived the war. He returned to New Jersey, raised a family with his wife, and continued to serve in the New Jersey National Guard until retirement in 1961. He passed away in 1988. Major Burke and his wife, Catherine, are interred here, in this beautiful cemetery—grave number KN 1894.

And today we remember Americans like John Gertsch, from Jersey City. Staff Sergeant Gertsch served in the 327^th Infantry Regiment of the 101^st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Over a period of five days in July of 1969, Staff Sergeant Gertsch distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant and platoon leader during combat operations in the A Shau Valley. During an operation to seize a strongly defended enemy position, Staff Sergeant Gertsch’s platoon leader was seriously wounded. Forsaking his own safety, Gertsch rushed to his aid, dragging him to shelter. He then assumed command and led his men in a fierce counterattack, forcing the enemy to withdraw.

Over the next days, he led his platoon against enemy reconnaissance and assault forces, recovered wounded comrades, and forced the enemy to withdraw even though he was seriously wounded. On 19 July, after sustained fighting, Staff Sergeant Gertsch saw an aidman treating a wounded officer and rushed forward, placing himself between them and the enemy. While the wounded man was moved to safety, Staff Sergeant Gertsch was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

For their bravery and selfless actions, Major McGuire, Major Burke, and Staff Sergeant Gertsch all received our nation’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor—two of them posthumously. Today, we gather to remember and celebrate their extraordinary heroism—as we remember all who served and sacrificed for our country. We can never underestimate, or over appreciate, the costs they bore for us. We can freely gather here today because of them.

And not only on this day, but every day, it’s always appropriate to honor a fallen Veteran—those who lay in eternal rest in beautiful state cemeteries, such as this one, in VA national cemeteries, and in so many other plots of hallowed ground across our nation and around the world.  

Thank you for being here. Thank you for honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice—and all our Veterans.

May God bless you, all our service members and Veterans, and the United States of America.