Fitting salute to hero
By ROBERT LINNEHAN
The Cherry Hill Sun
11/8/2008

Township to officially rename Ivy Lane Park after U.S. Army Capt. Gregory Dalessio, who gave his life in Iraq

The township and American Legion Post 372 are teaming to bring several special programs to residents this Veterans Day to pay proper respect to the men and women who have served this country by enlisting in the armed forces.

Mayor Bernie Platt said the township and the American Legion Post will come together to honor U.S. Army Capt. Gregory Dalessio, a young soldier killed this past summer in Iraq. On Monday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m., Ivy Lane Park will be renamed after the soldier who gave his life for America.

Dalessio, a Knollwood resident and congregant of St. Peter Celestine Church, was killed in Iraq on June 23. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.

“This park is a meaningful place for the Dalessio family, a place where this young man – who would go on to perform so admirably as an officer in the Army – joyfully spent many of his formative years,” Platt said. “While he will always be remembered by his comrades and the civilians he helped for his dedication to the U.S. mission in Iraq, Gregory was known in Cherry Hill as a good neighbor, a faithful Catholic and a loving member of a strong family. Simply put, he was a man dedicated to God, country and those he loved. I believe the dedication of this park, used for the enjoyment of children and families throughout the township, is a fitting memorial for our fallen soldier and native son.”

The park, Platt said, was a place where Dalessio enjoyed spending many of his younger years. It shares a special place in many Dalessio family members’ hearts, he said.

The event will be a time of remembrance for Dalessio, Platt said, and an opportunity for members of the township to honor the young man. It will also be a time of remembrance for all of the veterans who have served in the military forces.

“The month of November is synonymous with the proud men and women of the U.S. military. It is a month in which we take time to reflect upon the thousands of citizens who have worn our proudest uniform,” Platt said. “Of course, it is also important that we recognize all sacrifices made by our troops, big and small, throughout the year, and keep all of our courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in our thoughts and prayers.”

In addition to the special commemoration, American Legion Post 372 will be hosting a flag retirement ceremony on Nov. 11, 6 p.m., at the post. Reynold Johnson, post advocate, said the event is open to anyone wishing to attend. The ceremony will consist of post members officially retiring the America flag that has flown in front of the post. According to the American Legion, a flag retirement ceremony is needed when “a flag has served its useful purpose. It should be destroyed, preferably by burning. This ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of an unserviceable flag.”