Admiral Fallon to Speak

Admiral William J. Fallon, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral who was the first Navy officer to be appointed Commander of the U.S. Central Command, will speak at a Veterans Day ceremony aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Fallon, who was raised in Merchantville, and graduated from Villanova University, was the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Atlantic Fleet from October 2003 to February 2005. He served as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command from February 2005 until March 2007. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit and campaign decorations. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-1st District) will join him as a speaker during the ship's Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the ship's forward deck. Battleship volunteer Nan LaCorte will perform the National Anthem and "Taps" on the bugle. A memorial wreath will be cast onto the Delaware River to remember all veterans who have passed.