“It means freedom. We have lost so many, so that we can be free. So that we can enjoy all the things that we enjoy. It means freedom of speech, education, freedom to practice religion. All of these things. Men like my father (a World War II veteran), my son (Iraqi Freedom veteran) served willingly, sacrificed, so we could enjoy these freedoms.”

—Kathryn O’Donnell, Wrightstown, Pa., with father 

William Hobbs of Acorn Glen, Princeton

“We are immigrants; we have relatives in the service. We always remember them. We are grateful. They came here and got the opportunity to work for and now serve the country we now call home. It is good to see America’s spirit is still strong; that is what attracted us to this country in the first place.”

—Lauralyn Bowen with father Michael Archer, Plainsboro

Julia: “We were thinking of all the veterans that gave their lives for our country. My father was a Marine and John Basilone a Marine Gunnery Sergeant comes to mind. Raritan N.J. holds the John Basilone parade, every year in his honor and to honor all military personnel.”

Tony: “We are here in support of all the veterans from the Revolutionary war to the Korean, Vietnam, and Iraqi wars.”

—Tony and Julia Altieri, Princeton

“It means to me a day of remembrance and respect to our fallen troops. Right now, I am thinking about my family that are in the army and hoping that they will always be safe.”

—Nikkaya Roper, Trenton