Corporal Stanley Matejkowski, 89, of Seaside Heights was chosen to raise the flag.  Matejkowski is a veteran of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima.   Several hundred were in attendance.

While the event marked a celebration of American freedom and independence, it also marked the continuation of a wave of bipartisan support in Toms River Township during a time when most of the country has been sharply divided across party lines.