He rose to his feet — with just a little assistance.
He walked over to the microphone — using only a cane.
He delivered the Pledge of Allegiance — and saluted the room.
Ernie Mogor, WWII veteran, age 100, stole the show. He was a symbol of strength, courage and love of country. And while the overflow crowd in the room for the State of the Middlesex County address was eager to thank him, Mogor said he came out that night to thank those running the county.
“They are doing a great job, and I wanted to honor them,” he said. “I love my city, my state and my country. And I want everyone to know.”
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Ron Rios, the Commissioner Director of Middlesex County, was thrilled Mogor was in attendance and delighted for the opportunity to recognize him for his service.
“I have a special place in my heart for veterans,” he said.
Rios said it’s important to recognize the impact veterans have had.
“I don’t take our freedoms for granted, especially now,” he said. “Ernie served in World War II; it’s special that he can join us. But we need to remember everyone.
“I do everything I can in my power to try to help any veteran, because where would we be if it wasn’t for them? Think about D-Day. Think about Korea. Think about Vietnam War. These guys went through hell. We need to honor them whenever we can.”
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Mogor was born and raised in New Brunswick and was a member of the Class of 1944. He joined the army shortly after graduating and was serving in Germany a few months later when he was wounded.
“I was combat infantry soldier,” he said. “I was wounded at the Rye River in Germany. A sniper took me out, but I survived.”
Mogor’s presence defies his age. He speaks clearly and articulately, telling this reporter he was a private, first class, serving in the Third Army’s 76th Division, when he was wounded. He then offered more of his life story.
Mogor was the son of a baker — “the first in New Brunswick, on Paterson Street” — he said. But he didn’t go into the family business.
Instead, he worked for the city’s most famous employer, working at Johnson & Johnson for 35 years.
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This year, it feels more important than ever to remember the sacrifice and service of veterans.
And as this event showed, there’s no better way to do that than by recognizing them at an upcoming event, whether it be Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Jeff Cantor, the founder and head of the N.J. State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, loves the idea — any recognition of veterans and their service is a plus, he said.
But here’s a plus one: Hire a veteran-owned business when planning the event.
Recognition is wonderful; revenue is even better.
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Mogor, like any soldier, did not come to the event seeking praise or recognition. He simply wanted to honor the public servants who were working to help him.
He certainly was grateful to have the opportunity.
“I thank God that I can be present here today and listen to all the men who are responsible for our community,” he said. “They’re doing a good job, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Mogor said he looks back at his service as a matter of fulfilling his duty to the nation.
“I’m proud to have served my country,” he said.
“And I’m proud to be 100 years old.”
