Veterans, their families, local officials, and residents gathered in Fort Lee on Wednesday, November 11, to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Among those attending was August “Augie” Caccavone, a World War II veteran who celebrated his 100th birthday this summer.
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. at VFW Cairola-Barber Post 2342, located at 250 Main Street.
The program was led by Post Commander Tony Lione, who welcomed those in attendance and guided the ceremony honoring the service and sacrifices of American veterans.
Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich and the Borough Council President Bryan Drumgoole, also addressed the gathering. In his remarks, Sokolich emphasized the borough’s longstanding commitment to its veterans and the important place they hold in the community.
The mayor noted that Fort Lee makes a special effort to recognize and include its veterans in community life. He pointed out that veterans are part of nearly every major event held in the borough, reflecting the respect and appreciation the community continues to show them.
The ceremony featured a formal procession by the color guard, the presentation of the flags, the national anthem, and a ceremonial gun salute.
Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11, marking the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended fighting in World War I. In the United States, the day honors all men and women who have served in the military, whether or not they saw combat.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered inside the VFW post for a reception.
A 100-Year-Old Veteran Among Those Honored
One of the notable attendees was August “Augie” Caccavone, a World War II veteran who continues to attend gatherings with fellow veterans at the age of 100.
During the ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with him briefly. I noticed that, unlike the other veterans, he wasn’t wearing a cap, so I asked him why. He explained that he had never liked wearing one, even during his military service, and had refused to wear one back then, too.
It was a small detail that offered a glimpse of his personality, but behind it lies a remarkable military history.
Caccavone served as a sergeant in the U.S. Seventh Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles on the Western Front. He was awarded the Bronze Star after destroying two German machine-gun positions.
After serving in Europe, he was stationed in the Philippines and later served in Japan with the Eighth Army.
A longtime member of VFW Post 2342, Caccavone received a Hometown Heroes Award from New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District in December 2025, recognizing his military service and his contributions to fellow veterans and the local community.
A Bench Dedicated to His 100th Birthday
When Caccavone turned 100 on August 12, 2026, Fort Lee honored him in a special way. The local VFW post, the mayor, and the Borough Council dedicated a bench in his honor, complete with a commemorative plaque.
Alongside his name and a dedication marking his milestone birthday, the plaque highlights three values: friendship, patriotism, and community.
Wednesday’s ceremony offered another opportunity to recognize generations of veterans, from those who served in World War II to those who took part in more recent military operations.
Their families also deserve special recognition for the years of worry, sacrifice, and challenges they have shared throughout their loved ones’ military service.
Thank you to Augie and all Fort Lee veterans for your service.
Aziza Smailovic