New Jersey's first World War II memorial was dedicated at a Veterans Day celebration in Trenton Tuesday.

"It's beautiful," said Maj. Gen. Glenn Reith, of the New Jersey National Guard. "It's beautiful."

Many veterans feared they wouldn't live to see the memorial's completion, after years of promises and fundraising. The memorial is almost 100 percent finished, a promise made by Gov. Jon Corzine on Veterans Day of last year.

The unveiling was attended by several thousand military men and woman, lawmakers and thankful residents.

The memorial features Lady Victory in the center with a soldier in active combat not far behind. Walls surround the memorial telling battle stories. The memorial's theme is service, duty and sacrifice.

The memorial is located directly across the street from the state capital on West State Street.