By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Every May, a variety of meaningful events lead up to Memorial Day, an important remembrance of those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Wreath Laying Ceremonies

Several wreath laying ceremonies in observance of those members of the military who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces will be held throughout Memorial Day Weekend in both Pennsauken and Merchantville. The public is encouraged to attend these events.

On Sunday, May 25, VFW Post 1270, 2324 Penn St., will host a wreath laying service at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following, local veterans will then join Pennsauken Township officials for a special Memorial Day Ceremony at Liberty Park, located at the corner of Westfield and Merchantville avenues. This service is slated to begin around noon.

“Memorial Day is not merely the unofficial start of summer; it is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Pennsauken Mayor Nicole Roberts. “As a community, we come together to honor the memory and sacrifice of these fallen heroes, who died in defense of this great nation.” 

On Monday, May 26, AMVETS Post 101, 519 June Rd., will hold a wreath laying ceremony at 11:00 a.m., both at its post and then at the Delair War Memorial on River Rd., just south of the Betsy Ross Bridge.

Also on Memorial Day, American Legion F.W. Grigg Post 68 will hold its annual service at Wellwood Park, Linden Ave. and Maple Ave., in Merchantville. The ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are invited to view the “Veterans Memorial Walk at Wellwood,” which was installed as part of the post’s centennial program. Local Scout units will present the colors. Additionally, local organizations will place memorial wreaths on the WWI and WWII Memorials. Light refreshments will be provided after the service. The public is invited to attend. In the event of rain, the service will be held at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave. Merchantville, NJ. For questions or more information, email fwgriggpost68@gmail.com.

Memorial Day Ceremony At Pennsauken High School

Local veterans are invited to join AFJORTC cadets at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd., in honoring those who gave their lives for their country. This event is held on Tuesday, May 27, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., and features remarks from Dr. Sean Hoggs, Capt (Ret), USAF, the POW/MIA table presentation, and a ceremony at the Alumni Veterans Memorial Plaza. Veterans planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. to Bridget Zino at (856) 662-8500, ext. 5703 or bzino@pennsuken.net. 

Flag Placements Held This Month

As part of their observance of Memorial Day, several veterans groups place American flags of the graves of their fallen comrades in Pennsauken’s cemeteries. Community members and service groups are invited to participate in this simple, yet powerful gesture that honors the men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

FW Grigg Post 68 will hold several flag placements this month:

• Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m.; Bethel Memorial Park, Cove Rd. and Westfield Ave.
• Monday, May 19, 6:00 p.m.; Sunset Memorial Park, 1605 Union Ave.
• Wednesday, May 21, 10:00 a.m., Jordan Lawn Cemetery, 3400 block of Haddonfield Rd.
• Wednesday, May 21, 11:00 a.m., Saint Matthew’s Cemetery, 7300 block of Pleasant Ave.

For more information, visit “FW Grigg Post 68 American Legion” on Facebook.

VFW Post 1270 in Pennsauken will also be placing American flags on veterans’ graves on Saturday, May 17, starting at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the entrance to Arlington Cemetery on Cove Rd., where flags will be distributed. Afterwards, volunteers will proceed to Calvary Cemetery on Hampton Rd. in Cherry Hill to flag graves there. Community service certificates will be awarded to all students who need them. Please note transportation will not be provided. For more information, please call (856) 317-9081 during regular business hours.