Author, Brian Dean who served in 4 wars, was among those who received the highest honor of the day, the Gloucester County Distinguished Service Medal.
"When I was notified, I was kind of shocked," said Brian Dean. "And I see a lot of these guys, and they're the reason why I'm in here."
And those veterans he speaks of, his predecessors were grateful too, and it showed.
"There are a number of World War II vets still surviving," said Harold Dieiches. "And some of them, if you take the time to walk around and talk to them, are pretty spry. They're still pretty lively."
Also lively, another WWII vet, Margaret Gallagher.
"I had a lot of fun. There were 200 men on our base and about 82 women. We had a date every night of the week," said Margaret Gallagher.
So many heroes, so many medals, and so many sacrifices, the day of recognition also remembered those no longer with us.
Edith Cobb received a medal on behalf of her husband.
"It makes you feel proud of the things that they did for the country," said Edith Cobb. "And they loved the country. That I know."
No one was forgotten.
