Photo credits Belleville Township: Belleville residents and officials joined veterans on Saturday as the town commemorated Veterans Day. Among the events, the Veterans Day 5K Run/walk raised about $4,400 to be divided among four local veterans organizations.

Belleville always looks to Veterans Day as a time to recognize those men and women from its tight-knit community who have valiantly and selflessly served our country.

This year, the community paused for a moment to remember the sacrifice and service of Michael Donnelly, a Vietnam War veteran who passed away Aug. 7, 2021.

Friends, family members and neighbors gathered last weekend for a street dedication on Riverdale Avenue in honor of Donnelly, who had both legs amputated after being diagnosed with Type II diabetes because of Agent Orange exposure.

Donnelly passed away at his home on Riverdale Avenue at age 75, with his wife, Joyce, by his side.

Donnelly was Belleville, through and through. He grew up playing Little League baseball and graduated from Belleville High School. After serving his country, he and Joyce settled down in Belleville to raise their three daughters: Maureen, Trecia and Susan.

“We celebrate the great sacrifice made by Michael Donnelly and we recognize his courage in the face of enormous challenges,” Mayor Michael Melham said. “There are countless others in Belleville and beyond who have also served our country. To them, this is a time to say `thank you.’ We pause to remember you on Veterans Day, but you are never far from our thoughts every day of the year.”

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