By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

In observance of Memorial Day, members of the community and local veterans groups will hold ceremonies this month to remember and honor those men and women who lost their lives in service of their country in the Armed Forces. There are several opportunities for members of the local community to recognize all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy each day.

Placing Flags On Veterans’ Graves

American Legion F.W. Grigg Post 68 annually places over 2,000 flags on the graves of those veterans buried in local cemeteries. Members of the community are invited to join in this effort.

This year’s schedule is as follows: Jordantown (Jordan’s Lawn) Cemetery, 3600 Haddonfield Rd., Pennsauken, Friday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.; Bethel Cemetery, 1620 Cove Rd., Pennsauken, Saturday, May 18, 8:30 a.m.; and Sunset Memorial Park, 1605 Union Ave., Tuesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m.

This is a family friendly event and a wonderful learning opportunity for young people to witness the sacrifice made by those who served in the armed forces of our nation. For those wishing to participate, sturdy shoes and a pair of work gloves are recommended.

Ceremonies On Memorial Day Weekend

There are several moving ceremonies held during Memorial Day weekend that the community is invited to attend.

VFW Post 1270, located at 2324 Penn St. in Pennsauken, right off of Rt. 130 and Cove Rd., will hold its annual wreath laying ceremony on Sunday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony features the laying of wreaths at the Post, an honor guard rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.”

At 11:45 a.m. that same day, Pennsauken Township will hold a special ceremony with VFW Post 1270, AMVETs Post 101, and American Legion F.W. Grigg Post 68 at Liberty Park, located on the corner of Merchantville and Westfield avenues.

AMVETS Post 101, located at 519 June Rd. in Delair, will hold its wreath laying ceremony on Monday, May 27, at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony begins at the post and then moves to the World War II/Korean War memorial, located on River Rd.

F.W. Grigg Post 68 will hold its annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27, at Wellwood Park, located at Linden and Maple avenues in Merchantville. The theme of this year’s program is “honor.” The service begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

During the event, area Boy and Girl Scout units will present the colors. Additionally, local organizations will place memorial wreaths on the World War I and World War II Memorial Monuments. Light refreshments will be provided after the service. In the event of rain, the service will be held at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave. Merchantville.

Online Wall Of Honor Recognizes Veterans

Located on Pennsauken Township’s web site, Pennsauken’s online Wall of Honor recognizes Township residents, past or present, living or deceased, that proudly served in our nation’s armed forces.

This is not a complete list and will be periodically updated. If individuals know of a past or present resident, living or dead, who has served in the military that is currently not included on the Wall of Honor, they can submit the name via an easy-to-use online form.

To view the list or to submit a name, visit http://www.twp.pennsauken.nj.us/content/pennsauken-wall-honor.