Events around New Jersey honor veterans

MOORESTOWN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Veterans Day is Wednesday, but there are many signs of respect for those who have served already dotting the New Jersey landscape.

On Monday, at Rider University, military members who are also students placed a wreath near a display of 12,000 American flags on the college green in honor of those who've served for Veterans Day.

"We wanted to honor as many veterans as possible that have come through Rider's 150 years of being a college," Andrew Kim of the National Guard ROTC.

Students like Darryl Fletcher, a retired Army Sergeant injured in Iraq, spent the weekend planting the flags.

"There was an airman that was alongside of me that actually lost his life prior to me being injured, so it really has a significant value to me," SSgt. Fletcher said.

"When I drove down here today, the first time in quite a long time, I didn't expect this, so it really made my hair stand up in the back because of the patriotism," Retired Lt. Col. Joseph Shusko of the U.S. Marine Corps said.

Patriotism took a different form in Moorestown where a benefit and jobs expo for veterans was put together by a group of Moorestown High School seniors.

"Lack of ability to try and get a job after all of their service, I wanted to do something to try and make that transition easier," expo organizer Madeleine Morlino said.

"I am currently still active duty but I will be separated in six months and I'm hoping to see what job opportunities are out there," Senior Airman Nick Venier said.

In addition to meeting with prospective employers and gathering information, veterans were trading in camouflage for a sharp suit given to them free by a group called Suiting Warriors.

"Because you're looking for a job and want to make a good impression, sometimes you don't have the funds for a suit," U.S. Navy Veteran Mike Schaffer said.

The fact that high school students put the event together has touched some of the veterans who appreciate support from the younger generation.

"I'm just so amazed and thankful to them for just opening up their hearts and giving up their time just for us. I'm really moved by that," U.S. Air Force Veteran Jonathan Santa Teresa said.