Ewing Township honored Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko at its annual Veterans Day ceremony on on Nov. 11. The event included the dedication of a permanent marker in his honor at Betor Veterans Park.
Elected officials speaking at the ceremony were Mayor Bert Steinmann and Council President Kevin Baxter. Both praised Gen. Dutko, who also spoke at the event, for his dedication to his country and his leadership in the N.J. Air National Guard’s 108th Wing.
The program included performances by the Greater Trenton Pipes and Drums and the Villa Victoria Decibelles, directed by Katrina Pilchman.
Col. Rick Ryczkowski, USA (Ret.), served as adjutant for the event, directing the posting of the colors by the honor guard and leading the ceremonial aspects of the program. Pastor Gregg Downs of Calvary Mercer performed the invocation.
The guest speaker was Col. Joseph W. Leonard Bradford, USAF, Deputy Commander of the 108th Wing, N.J. Air National Guard, who reflected on Gen. Dutko’s military service and the importance of honoring the country’s veterans.
The event also included a Veteran’s Day wreath presentation by Col. Leonard the mayor and Baxter.
The event was organized by the Ewing Patriotic Committee in cooperation with Ewing Township. The committee, led by Brig. Gen. Dutko and other local veterans, worked together to coordinate the day’s logistics.
