By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Community events leading up through Memorial Day remember 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 28, 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.

“While there will be many picnics and get togethers that weekend, the true meaning of Memorial Day is to honor those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country,” said Pennsauken Mayor Vince Martinez. “We invite all of our community to join us as we honor the memory and sacrifice of these fallen military members.”  

On Monday, May 29, 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. Local Boy and Girl Scout units will present the colors. Additionally, local organizations will place memorial wreaths on the WWI and WWII Memorial Monuments. In the event of rain, the service will be held at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave., Merchantville.

Memorial Day Ceremony At Pennsauken High School

Local veterans are invited to join Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd., in honoring those who gave their lives for their country. This event is held on Friday, May 26, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., and features special presentations 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. 5285 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 three flag placements this month:

• Wednesday, May 17, 9:00 a.m., Jordan Lawn Cemetery, 3400 block of Haddonfield Rd.
• Wednesday, May 17, 10:00 a.m., Saint Matthew’s Cemetery, 7300 block of Pleasant Ave.
• Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m.; Bethel Memorial Park, Cove Rd. and Westfield Ave.
• Monday, May 22, 6:00 p.m.; Sunset Memorial Park, 1605 Union 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 27, starting at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the entrance to Arlington Cemetery on Cove Rd., between Pleasant and Forrest avenues, 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.

Online Wall Of Honor Recognizes Veterans

Located on Pennsauken Township’s website, 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://pennsauken.gov/content/pennsauken-wall-honor.