County donates $25,000 to state WWII memorial FREEHOLD - Recognizing the sacrifices made by World War II veterans, particularly those who lost their lives to preserve freedom, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has donated $25,000 toward the fundraising effort to build a memorial in New Jersey. "We have a Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a Korean War Memorial, but New Jersey still does not recognize us veterans from World War II," said Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick, himself a World War II veteran, who presented the county's check to E. Larry St. Laurent, a Korean War veteran and a member of the World War II Memorial Advisory Commission. "I was extremely proud to wear the uniform representing the United States," said Narozanick, a U.S. Army captain who earned the Bronze Star for bravery, heroism and meritorious service for his role in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. "I am just as proud to be presenting this check to help build a memorial to honor all of our brave World War II soldiers." According to a press release from the county, New Jersey is home to nearly 600,000 veterans, nearly one-third of whom served in World War II. Several other states have more veterans, but few have a higher percentage who served in World War II. More than 2,500 World War II veterans were buried last year at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Cemetery, a veterans cemetery in Arnytown, Burlington County. New Jersey's tribute to the veterans of World War II will be located on West State Street in Trenton, directly across from the front entrance of the State House. Former resident Thomas Jay Warren, who lives in Oregon, was chosen to create Lady Victory, a 12-foot-high bronze statue that will be the focal point of the memorial. Sculptors also will create a battlefield marker and bas relief depictions of the war's history. Warren statues are featured prominently in the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, near the PNC Bank Arts Center. The cost of the entire projects is $6 million, according to the press release. The state has appropriated $2 million for the project, and Monmouth and Ocean counties have contributed $25,000 each. In addition, many individual donations of various levels have been received by the commission. "When it mattered most, an entire generation showed the world what it means to be Americans," Narozanick said. "I look forward to the day when New Jersey's World War II veterans will be able to visit this memorial in Trenton and receive the thanks of this great state."