PETERSBURG — Ed Dixon feels that military veterans deserve more appreciation than the two days designated by the federal government each year — Memorial Day, which pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice amid war, and Veterans Day, which honors all who have served.
The 82-year-old has been visiting city halls across southern New Jersey, asking the governing bodies to designate August as Military Appreciation Month.
The U.S. Navy veteran still fits in his dress uniform, which he proudly wears while seeking support for his vision to have every town in the United States follow suit.
“August has a lot more special days in it and usually is not talked about at all,” Dixon told Township Committee on May 11, when members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
He listed the important dates, noting Aug. 1 is Air Force Day; the U.S. Coast Guard was established Aug. 4, 1790; the Purple Heart was established in 1782; the Vietnam War began in 1964.
On Aug. 14, 1945, Japan surrendered, ending World War II. The same day, there was a National Navajo Code Talkers Day.
National Airborne Day is Aug. 16 and National Aviation Day on Aug. 19.
“My quest is to have the month of August dedicated to our military on every calendar across our great country. They truly deserve this dedication,” Dixon said.
The resolution stated that “the freedoms and security enjoyed by citizens of the United States are the result of the dedicated service and sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.”
“It is important to promote awareness and appreciation of the ongoing contributions of the Armed Forces in upholding the Constitution and protecting our liberties,” it stated.
Dixon, who enlisted during his senior year at St. Joseph High School in Camden, served in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea during the Vietnam War on troop transport APA 228 out of Norfolk, Va.
He began his quest in his hometown of Ocean City, where he is a member of American Legion Post 524, in 2023 and has succeeded in getting 14 towns to designate Military Appreciation Month.
Dixon said his drive is rooted in the ill treatment of veterans returning from Vietnam in the 1970s.
“It was a disgrace the way the people acted against them, didn’t care how they felt, how many were injured,” he said.
– STORY and PHOTO by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
At top, Township Committee designated August as Military Appreciation Month on May 11 at the behest of Ocean City resident Ed Dixon. Pictured are Committeeman Zack Palombo, Committeeman Sam Palombo, Mayor Curtis Corson, Dixon, Deputy Mayor Victor Nappen and Committeeman Tyler Casaccio.