Peter Kyriakoulis expressed a similar feeling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 1, 2011 -- Kyriakoulis, a hedge fund manager from Oakland, wore a pinstriped suit and sat next to his young wife, Loren. But he said he could see reflections of himself in the older men, many of whom wore their Veterans of Foreign Wars hats and jackets.

“When I look at them, I don’t see 90-year-old men in wheelchairs,” he said. “I see men I served with. It doesn’t matter which war. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re Italian or Irish or Greek. We all know we wore a uniform for this county and for the state of New Jersey. It’s something we all share.”
The Military and Veterans Affairs Department holds such awards ceremonies in shopping malls and other public gathering places as part of an outreach program to connect with the thousands of veterans who may not be aware of the services available to them, organizers have said.
Raymond Zawacki, the state’s deputy commissioner for Veterans Affairs, said that no matter how many ceremonies he attends, he is always moved.

“It’s very emotional,” he said. “It’s a happy emotion to say thanks, and to see how much the veterans appreciate a simple thank you for their service.” two piece swimsuits
Any veteran who lives in New Jersey, was a state resident at the time of his or her service and was honorably discharged is eligible for the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.
Veterans Affairs officers will provide information about obtaining the medal and applying for veterans services at a mall kiosk through May 26.
E-mail: akin@northjersey.com