Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring our military who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
In honor of our military members of all services who died in the service of their country and those who have served, Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 members are participating in a number of activities over the Memorial Day weekend.
On Friday, May 27 all veterans are invited to attend the Haddonfield Memorial High School Memorial Service in the HMHS auditorium at 9:15 a.m. Attendees are asked to report to the high school office no later than 9 a.m. The dress is coat and tie and American Legion overseas hat. If you don’t have the American Legion overseas hat, other service hats or caps are welcome. Of course, folks on active duty or serving in the reserves or National Guard are encouraged to wear their uniforms.
Later that day at 6:30 p.m., Post 38 members and other volunteers are invited to place flags at the Baptist and Methodist Cemeteries. The dress is casual with Post 38 hats or caps or service headgear.
On Sunday, May 29, Post 38 members will participate in a local church service. This year it’s the Haddonfield United Methodist Church. The service is 10:30 a.m. The dress is coat and tie and the American Legion overseas hat.
On Monday, May 30, there will be a Post 38 Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. followed by a Memorial Day Ceremony for members and guests at Post 38 at 9 a.m. The dress will be white short sleeve shirts, dark trousers and shoes an American Legion overseas hat. In lieu of a Post 38 overseas hat, service hats/caps and uniforms are encouraged.
Post 38 then form up at the assembly site at Chestnut Street on Kings Highway and the Memorial Day Parade will commence promptly at 10 a.m. The flag vehicle will depart at 9:40 a.m.
Shortly after arriving at the high school, Post 38 will conduct the Memorial Day Service at the Haddonfield War Memorial which will include normal patriotic honors, placement of flags for each war, remarks by Post 38 Commander Jeff Bowman, remarks by Mayor Jeff Kasko, rendition of “In Flanders Fields” by HMHS Honor Society students and music by the Pick-up Band.
Hot dogs and sodas and Mr. Softee ice cream, donated anonymously, will be provided after the service.
If the parade is cancelled due to rain, the Memorial Day Service will be held in the High School Auditorium at 11 a.m. In that event, Parade Director Tom Baird will make the necessary calls to make sure all parties will be at that event.
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Members of Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 invite veterans, service members and residents to join them in observing Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.
The post will conduct its Annual Memorial Day Parade stepping off promptly at 10 a.m. The parade will form up with its forward position at Kings Highway and Chestnut Street facing toward Haddonfield Memorial High School. The parade will end at the high school where a memorial service will be conducted.
The parade will include the Post 38 Color Guard and members of the post, the high school marching band, the mayor and commissioners, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scout Troops 64 and 65 and Cub Scout Packs 64 and 65, the Royaleers/Royaleer Mounties All-Girl Drum & Bugle Corps of Haddonfield, the apparatus of Haddon Fire Company №1 and the Haddonfield Ambulance Association.
After the parade, a Memorial Service will be held at the War Memorial in front of the High School. The Memorial Service will honor the fallen men and women of nine wars, from the American Revolution to the present-day conflict in Afghanistan. The service will include normal military honors; Chaplain’s prayers; remarks by Post 38 Commander, Jeff Bowman; remarks by Mayor Jeff Kasko; placement of flags for each war; a reading of “In Flanders Fields” by the HMHS Honor Society and music by the Pick-Up Band. Hot dogs and sodas and Mr. Softee ice cream, donated anonymously, will be provided after the service.
If the parade is cancelled due to inclement weather, the Memorial Service will be conducted in the High School Auditorium at 11a.m.
Questions concerning the parade and memorial service should be directed to Tom Baird, Parade Director at (609) 923–1442.
