The Ewing Patriotic Committee will host a special Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, to honor Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko, USAF (Ret.), for his 42 years of military service.
The ceremony will include the dedication of a permanent marker in his honor at Major General George J. Betor Veterans Park, located behind the Ewing Municipal Building at 2 Jake Garzio Drive. The event will begin at 11 a.m.
Ewing Mayor Bert H. Steinmann praised Gen. Dutko’s dedication to his country, highlighting his leadership within the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Wing.
“I’m especially proud to honor a man whose service stands out—Brig. Gen, Robert S. Dutko Sr.,” Steinmann said. “For more than 40 years, Gen. Dutko served in the N.J. Air National Guard, leading the 108th Wing through missions that reached far beyond our borders. Whether it was supporting combat operations, humanitarian relief, or keeping us ready at home, he gave it his all. And that kind of dedication deserves to be remembered.
Steinmann added: “General Dutko’s story isn’t just about medals or missions. It’s about a life dedicated to service—service to his country, to his fellow servicemembers, and to his community. We want him to know just how much he means to us and that his contributions will never be forgotten.”
The program will include performances by the Greater Trenton Pipes and Drums and the Ewing High School Master Singers, directed by Alex Minter.
Col. Rick Ryczkowski, USA (Ret.), will serve as adjutant for the event, directing the posting of the colors by the Honor Guard and leading the ceremonial aspects of the program.
The National Anthem will be performed by the EHS Master Singers, followed by an invocation from Pastor Gregg Downs of Calvary Mercer. Brig. Gen. Dutko will provide the official welcome, and Col. Ryczkowski will introduce the VIPs in attendance.
Speakers will include Steinmann and Ewing Council President Kevin Baxter. The guest speaker for the event will be Col. Joseph W. Leonard Bradford, USAF, Deputy Commander of the 108th Wing, N.J. Air National Guard, who will reflect on Gen. Dutko’s military service.
In addition to the plaque dedication in honor of Brig. Gen. Dutko, the event will include a Veteran’s Day wreath presentation by Col. Leonard and the mayor.
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Rutkowski will perform Taps, and John MacDonald from the Greater Trenton Pipes and Drums will play “Amazing Grace” to conclude the ceremony.
Following the benediction by Pastor Downs, attendees are invited to join for refreshments under the pavilion.
The event is 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 and ensure a fitting tribute to all who have served.
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