Mount Laurel Township Receives Prestigious "We Value Our Veterans" Governors Award

Mount Laurel Township has received the “We Value Our Veterans” Award recognized by Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.  The Township received the accolade during an award ceremony held on Friday, November 11 at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel. Mayor Kareem Pritchett, Deputy Mayor Stephen Steglik, Councilwoman Karen Cohen and Councilwoman Fozia Janjua of Township Council were all on site to accept the honor.  

The New Jersey’s Governor “We Value Our Veterans” Community Award is given to municipalities that honor the “sacrifices, patriotism, and bravery displayed by our men and women who have worn the military uniform.” The Township scored 155 points on the submission application.

The Township completed the following programs and services to qualify for the award: provided parking spots for Purple Heart Recipients and Disabled Veterans, honoring veterans at roundtables and luncheon events, holding annual Memorial Day tributes, providing discounts for community based recreation programs, listing veteran businesses on the Township website, and listing mental health care and healthcare resources on the Township website. 

Mayor Kareem Pritchett said, “We must recognize and thank our veterans for the freedoms we enjoy today. Veterans continue to embody strength and courage, and Mount Laurel Township will always endeavor to honor the immeasurable contributions of these brave individuals.”

“This prestigious recognition from the State is dedicated to the generations of selfless American men and women that have bravely served our country,” stated Deputy Mayor Stephen Steglik. “Mount Laurel Township will continue to find ways, no matter how big or small, to support and honor our veterans.”

The “We Value Our Veterans” certificate will be displayed in the Township Municipal Building for public viewing.