Living Lessons speaker Thomas J. Jones Jr. is a World War II Veteran. THOMAS J. JONES, JR. will be honored at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. Mr. Jones, a 98-year-old resident of Montville Township, New Jersey, has been named the VETERAN OF THE GAME by the Mets organization. A crowd of 40,000 is estimated to be in attendance as the New York METS confront the New York YANKEES. During the June 25 game between the Mets and Yankees, Mr. Jones, will be seated in the VIP seating area behind home plate. As the designated VETERAN OF THE GAME, the Mets will salute Mr. Jones around the 3rd inning.

Living Lessons Speaker Will Be the Mets “Veteran of the Game” on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 - The Mets and Yankees will Salute Mr. Jones During the Game at Citi Field

Montville Township Public Schools

June 13, 2024

World War II Veteran THOMAS J. JONES, JR. will be honored at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. Mr. Jones, a 98-year-old resident of Montville Township, New Jersey, has been named the VETERAN OF THE GAME by the Mets organization.  A crowd of 40,000 is estimated to be in attendance as the New York METS confront the New York YANKEES.

During the June 25 game between the Mets and Yankees, Mr. Jones, will be seated in the VIP seating area behind home plate. As the designated VETERAN OF THE GAME, the Mets will salute Mr. Jones around the 3rd inning. A Mets player will also present Mr. Jones with an American flag that flew over Citi Field. The Citi Field JumboTron will also play a segment that showcases Mr. Jones’ achievements while serving in the military.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Mr. Jones was awarded three service medals and six battle stars for his tour of duty. While serving on the USS Ticonderoga, one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the Navy, Mr. Jones traveled across globe, providing support for US military operations throughout the Pacific Theater of War.

For many years Mr. Jones has been a featured speaker at “Living Lessons.” “Living Lessons,” is an outstanding program organized by the Robert R. Lazar Middle School in Montville Township, NJ. A unique experience, “Living Lessons” gathers nearly 50 speakers, who have survived extraordinary circumstances, under one roof. Students in grade 6, 7, and 8 interact with six speakers in one day.

As a WWII veteran who served in battle, Mr. Jones shares his experiences with the Lazar middle school students.

“Tom makes an incredible impact on all those with whom he comes in contact,” said Lazar teacher and Living Lessons Founder and Co-Chair Judy Gothelf. “I hope everyone in Montville Township will watch the Mets/Yankees game on Tuesday, June 25th, and cheer a little louder for our very own Montville veteran, Mr. Thomas J. Jones, Jr., a brave soldier, a wonderful storyteller, a gentleman, and an extraordinary human being.” 

Mr. Jones will be joined at Citi Field by his granddaughter Julie, his grandson Rob, and Rob's wife Emily.

The Mets versus Yankees game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:10 PM.  World War II Veteran THOMAS J. JONES, JR. will be honored as the VETERAN OF THE GAME during the 3rd inning.