Memorial Day Ceremony at Wellwood Park
Merchantville, New Jersey —
For well over 80 years the F.W. Grigg Post 68 of the American Legion has conducted Memorial Day ceremonies at Wellwood Memorial Park, where the Merchantville War Memorials are located.
This webpage contains pictures and the program of the day’s events, as well as pictures from Post 68’s other Memorial Day weekend activities, which included placing flags and grave markers at the small cemetery on Haddonfield Road in Pennsauken, where many black Civil War veterans are buried, and New Camden Cemetery, where flags and markers were placed on the graves of those fallen in combat during the 20th century wars and at the Civil War Veterans section located within the cemetery. This year, the first that the Post has undertaken the task, we didn’t have enough flags, or markers, a situation that we will rectify in 2010.
Over the past 80-plus years the F.W. Grigg Post 68 has compiled a long and distinguished record of serving the community of Merchantville and Pennsauken and the veterans community at-large. The Post sponsored one of the largest Boy Scout Troops in Camden County during the 1920s and 1930s, and for many years organized a Memorial Day Parade through the town. In 1950 the Post was instrumental in having the Park at Wellwood and Maple Avenues named Wellwood Memorial Park in honor of those who had served in all of her past conflicts.
American Legion Preamble
For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Wellwood Memorial Park — May 25, 2009
F.W. Grigg Post 68 Memorial Day ceremonies at Wellwood Memorial Park, Merchantville, NJ, May 25, 2009.
Memorial Day Services — May 25, 2009
F.W. GRIGG POST #68 — THE AMERICAN LEGION — MERCHANTVILLE, NEW JERSEY
Program for the Day
OUR MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIAN WHO GAVE OF THEMSELVES TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY WHEN AND WHENEVER THE NEED AROSE. WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO PRAYERFULLY WAITED FOR THEIR LOVED ONES DURING THOSE TIMES.
- Color Guard — Boy Scout Troop #119 — Trinity Methodist Church
- Opening remarks by Barney Vellutello, Chairman of Memorial Day Committee
- Legionnaire Prayer by Barney Vellutello, Post #68 Chaplain
- National Anthem by Matthew Kauffman, Director of Pennsauken Double Dozen
- Pledge of Allegiance by Bernard Henderson, Commander Post #68
- Welcome to Merchantville Borough by Mr. Shawn Waldron
- “Marine Hymn” by the Pennsauken HS Double Dozen
- Guest Speaker — Marine Sgt. Matt Bailey — served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Memorial Day Comments by Barney Vellutello
- Roll Call of Post #68 members who have passed on to Post Everlasting since last Memorial Day by Bob Disch, Commander: Roland Bittle — Walter Carson — Armand Damiani — Anthony Repice — Joseph Siano — Alfred Tornari — Leonard Tomassone
- TAPS by Frank Cuccio — Veterans hand salute
- Musical Selection by Frank Cuccio
- Placing of the Wreaths at WWI and WWII Monuments
- Musical Selections by Pennsauken High School Double Dozen finishing with “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” — Everyone please join hands
- Light Refreshments will be served after the conclusion of the ceremony
Thank you for attending. God Bless you.
Wreath Ceremony Participants
| Organization | Person Placing Wreath |
|---|---|
| Borough of Merchantville | Mr. Shawn Waldron, Borough Council |
| Merchantville Historical Society | Mrs. Maureen McLoone |
| Merchantville Women’s Club | Mrs. Geri Tabako, President |
| Merchantville Board of Education | Mrs. Sharon Stine, President |
| Merchantville Lions Club | Mr. Jeffrey Brown, President |
| Merchantville Democratic Club | Mr. Joseph Brickley |
| Merchantville Republican Club | Mr. Bob Disch, President |
| Merchantville EMS | Mrs. Donna Chester, President |
| Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission | Mr. Bernhard Kofoet, President |
| Knights of Columbus #6735, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church | Mr. Reese DeFeo, Grand Knight |
| Pennsauken Lions Club | Mr. Nicholas Rossi, Jr., Past District Governor |
| Pennsauken Historical Society | Mr. John Weber, Chairman House And Grounds |
| Niagara Fire Company | Mr. Bill Metzler and Mr. Kevin Patti |
| F.W. Grigg Post #68 | Mr. Bob Disch, Past Commander |
Special Thanks To:
| Mr. Robert Hermanns | Sound System & Bell |
| Frank Cuccio | TAPS and Music Selections |
| Mr. Matthew Kauffman | The National Anthem and Direction of Pennsauken High School Double Dozen |
| Pennsauken High School Double Dozen | Patriotic Musical Selections |
| Shawn Waldron | Boy Scout Troop #119 and Members of 8th Grade Class of Merchantville School |
New Camden Cemetery — May 24, 2009
Post 68 members placing flags and markers at New Camden Cemetery, Camden, NJ, May 24, 2009.
Civil War Soldiers Plot — City of Camden Records
| Year | Month | Day | Name | Age | Plot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1888 | Mar | 2 | Rings, John R | 54y | Gr2 |
| 1888 | 26 | Scroggy, Hugh | 60 | Gr 2 | |
| 1888 | 29 | Rhodes, Samuel | 47 | Gr3 | |
| 1888 | 10 | Ke?r, James | Gr 13 | ||
| 1888 | Oct | 7 | Green, Andrew | 38 | Gr 13 R 4 |
| 1888 | Nov | 16 | Walsh, Richard | 73 | Gr 13 R 5 |
| 1888 | Dec | 24 | Kay, Jacob M | 50 | Gr 13 R 6 |
| 1889 | Jan | 30 | Stewart, John | 46y | Gr 13 R 7 |
| 1889 | Apr | 9 | Gillan, William | 76y | Gr 13 R 8 |
| 1889 | Aug | 30 | Anderson, John | 61y | Gr 13 R 9 |
| 1889 | Sep | 29 | Malone, William J | 32y | Gr 13 R 10 |
| 1889 | Dec | 12 | Harlow, Thomas | 55y | Gr 13 R 12 |
| 1890 | Feb | 27 | Stow, John C | 51y | Gr 13 R 13 |
| 1890 | Feb | 18 | Neuman, Thomas | 48y | Gr12R12 |
| 1890 | May | 23 | Blake, Joseph | 42y | Gr13R15 |
| 1890 | Jul | 23 | Hammell, Simian | 65y | Gr 13 R 16 |
| 1890 | Sep | 24 | Drufous, Jacob | 54y | Row 2 #1 |
| 1890 | 5 | Liner, Washington | 69y | Row 2 #2 | |
| 1890 | 5 | Gressett, William | 35y | Row 2 #3 | |
| 1891 | Wilson, John C | 47y | Gr 5 R2 | ||
| 1891 | Hefferman, Wm | 55y | Gr 6 R 2 | ||
| 1891 | Crispin, Reston L | 72y | Gr 7 R 2 | ||
| 1891 | Mahan, Eli | 72 | Gr 8 R 10 | ||
| 1891 | Luke, Joseph | 60y | Gr 9 R 2 | ||
| 1891 | Stauton, James A | 57y | Gr 10 R 2 | ||
| 1891 | 11 | Croaks, John | 57y | Gr 11 R 2 | |
| 1891 | 27 | Rabb, Amos S | 52y | Gr 14 | |
| 1891 | Feb | 3 | Hileman, Frederick | 59y | Gr 11 R1 |
| 1891 | Feb | 26 | Capewell, Charles B | 52y | Gr 13 R 2 |
| 1891 | Apr | 19 | Anders, Carl R | 74y | Gr 2 R 3 |
| 1891 | May | 25 | Pierce, Henry | 59y | Gr 14 R 2 |
Soldiers Row
| Name | Date | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| Buffetta, Leonard | Grave 22 | |
| Johnson, Everett | 7-18-57 | Grave 23 |
| Hinkle, Max | 8-15-57 | Grave 24 |
| Henkle, Herbert | 4-28-59 | Grave 25 |
| Jernigan, Leonard | 8-10-59 | Grave 26 |
| Pierce, Ellsworth | 6-5-64 | Grave 27 |
| Williams, Joseph | 6-29-64 | Grave 28 |
| Elkins, James | 11-25-64 | Grave 29 |
| Harris, John | 5-15-65 | Grave 30 |
| Sales, Fred | 2-11-66 | Grave 31 |
| Hunter, Armie James | 2-25-66 | Grave 32 |
| Jaseth, Pittman | 2-26-66 | Grave 33 |
| Epps, Thomas | 3-12-66 | Grave 34 |
| English, David | 5-29-66 | Grave 35 |
| Massey, Harry | 4-22-66 | Grave 36 |
| Jacobs, Edward | 4-28-66 | Grave 37 |
| Thomas, Eddie | 4-29-66 | Grave 38 |
| Richardson, John | 5-25-66 | Grave 39 |
| Hammond, George | 6-4-88 | Grave 40 |
| Crawford, George | 8-2-66 | Grave 41 |
| Grant, Lee | 8-18-66 | Grave 42 |
| Gibson, Bernard | 8-26-66 | Grave 43 |
| Nugent, John | 8-27-66 | Grave 44 |
| Lee, Sylvester | 9-24-66 | Grave 45 |
| Jones, Wayman | 10-18-66 | Grave 46 |
| Gland, Edwin | 10-14-66 | Grave 47 |
| Mc Cauley, Wilburn | 10-18-66 | Grave 48 |
| Reed, John | 11-29-66 | Grave 49 |
| Brown, Joseph | 12-19-66 | Grave 50 |
| Currie, Wilford | 2-10-67 | Grave 51 |
| Pruitt, Charles | 2-13-67 | Grave 52 |
| Goldsboro, Steven | 2-18-67 | Grave 53 |
| Shockley, Charles | 2-20-67 | Grave 54 |
| Hightower, Emmit | 3-13-67 | Grave 55 |
| Gay, Charles W | 8-28-68 | Grave 27 |
| Sperling, Charles W | F-406-2-9-2-68 |
Jordantown Cemetery — May 23, 2009
Post 68 members placing flags at Jordantown Cemetery, Pennsauken, NJ, May 23, 2009.
Jordantown and Its Cemetery
by Paul W. Schopp
Originally located on the road leading from Merchantville to Fork Landing (known today as Park Avenue), surveyors laid out the small settlement of Jordantown in town plots on former Rudderow land during 1840. Among the oldest antebellum African-American communities in Camden County, it developed around a camp meeting (or “bush meeting”) site. Evangelistic gatherings at this camp ground first began in the 1830s. The meetings were held in the groves where the underbrush had been removed. Various possible derivations exist for the name “Jordantown,” but the most plausible one stems from the old Negro Spiritual accolades of the River Jordan.
Traveling along Park Avenue in 1846, one would have found five or six dwellings and an African Methodist Episcopal Church for the residents of the area. The community grew slowly, but by 1885, the village consisted of a large grouping of homes, Bethel African Methodist Church, and a school house. Today, the village extends along Park Avenue as well as along Haddonfield-Sorrel Horse Road.
Tucked behind the former Grossman Lumber Co. store (now Christ’s Bible Church) is a cemetery known variously as Jordan (or Jordon) Lawn, Jordantown or St. Martin’s Cemetery. It is unclear when this cemetery was first established, but it probably dates to the 1840s, the earliest period of settlement for Jordantown. Among its graves are 38 veterans from the Civil War. Veterans from other wars are also buried here. All of these men survived their battles and died of natural causes in later years.
Most of the Civil War veterans were Privates in various infantry companies and regiments of the United States Colored Troops. Joining the ranks of the Colored Troops was not a simple matter, since New Jersey failed to raise any regiments for the U.S.C.T. The men traveled to Pennsylvania and joined the 22nd, 24th, and 25th Regiments; they received training at Camp William Penn in Cheltenham Township, outside of Philadelphia. Only one of the veterans buried at Jordantown served with New Jersey troops. He was Private Charles Amos, assigned to Company C, 3rd Regiment, of the New Jersey Calvary. Another veteran interred here, John W. Gaines, served with Company F of the famous 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This company was part of the first black regiment recruited in the North. This regiment, whose story moviemakers told in a made-for-television movie several years ago, participated in battles at James Island, Fort Wagner, Honey Hill, and Boykins Mill, all in South Carolina.
The highest rank achieved among the men buried in Jordantown belonged to Benjamin J. Collins, who served as a First Sergeant in Company I, 22nd Regiment of the U.S.C.T. Sgt. Collins served from January 1864 until October 1865. Battles fought by the 22nd Regiment all took place in Virginia and included Chapin Farms, Dutch Gap, Fair Oaks, New Market Heights and the siege of Petersburg.
Other veterans buried in this hallowed ground served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War aboard the monitor U.S.S. Montauk and the schooner gunboat U.S.S. Unadilla. Thomas Nicholas and Augustus Wescott served as Landsmen on the screw steamer U.S.S. Princeton, a supply vessel. A Landsman held a rank below an Ordinary Seaman.
Most of the veterans have U.S. Government-supplied grave markers. The Grand Army of the Republic placed one of its stones on the grave of Henry Amos. Henry had served as a Private in Company C of the 42nd Regiment of the U.S.C.T. Some of the non-veteran tombstones are “homemade” markers William Collins manufactured. Fabricated for friends and loved-ones from marble dust and cement, these stones cost a fraction of commercially available gravemarkers, making them much less expensive for area residents to purchase.
For many years Pennsauken Township Public Works cared for the Jordantown Cemetery. However, in 1971, the township deeded the burial ground to Bethel A.M.E. Church for $1.00. Bethel’s elders had a difficult time maintaining the grounds and turned again to the township for assistance. In the late 1980s, Robert Ferguson of Philadelphia became an advocate for properly maintaining the 1.85-acre burial ground. He recognized that the cemetery contained the remains of patriots and they deserved all the respect the community could provide.
It is currently unknown by this writer whether Mr. Ferguson remains active at the site. But his message continues to be of utmost importance. If we do not respect the hallowed ground in which our veterans are interred, the very men who offered their lives to defend and protect America, will we be able to maintain the liberty they purchased for us with their blood? This sacred and historic site must be preserved to educate future generations on the course traveled by the United States and its people.
The Definition of “Veteran”
A veteran — whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve — is someone who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to and including my life.” That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
We Salute Our Comrades Who Have Gone to Post Everlasting, 2008–2009
Armond Damiani
On April 25, 2008, age 87, of Pennsauken NJ. Born in Camden NJ, he served with the US Marine Corps during WWII. Armond was also the operator of the Tom Thumb Restaurant in Camden and the Lakeview Restaurant in Moorestown for many years. He was the beloved husband of Bertha (nee Mohollen) and is also survived by one sister Enis Curcio of Haddon Twp, two sisters-in-law Helen Roche of Collingswood and Dorothy Mohollen of Cherry Hill, and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing and funeral Friday morning after 8:30 AM in the Alloway Funeral Home, 315 E. Maple Ave., Merchantville NJ. Funeral Mass 10:00 AM St. Peter Church Merchantville NJ. Interment Calvary Cemetery.
Roland Bittle
Age 86, of Hainesport, passed away Tuesday May 20, 2008, at Lourdes Specialty Hospital Willingboro after a lengthy illness. Born in Camden NJ, he lived forty-five years in Mt. Ephraim and was a resident of Hainesport for the past forty-one years. He was a graduate of Audubon High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, during which he was stricken with polio. He worked for Radio Condenser in Camden, New York Shipyard Camden, and was an employee of Automotive Rentals Inc. in Merchantville until his retirement. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Hainesport, F.W. Grigg American Legion Post 68, Merchantville, the New Jersey Polio Network, and the DAV. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping with family. Roland is survived by his wife of 54 years Erika, his son Roland Jr. and wife Donna, son Richard and fiancée Dorothy Wells, daughter Merrilee Torres and husband Ricardo; three grandsons Jayme Torres and Steven and Andrew Bittle; his sister-in-law Eleanor Flynn; four nieces Karen Canfield, Michelle Fisher, Barbara McKee, and Virginia Jock; six nephews Elmer, Clifton, Robert, Gary, and Marvin Bittle; as well as nineteen grandnieces and grandnephews; and several great-grandnieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 23, 2008, 11AM at The Lankenau Funeral Home, 31 Elizabeth St., Pemberton Borough. Interment with military honors will be Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pemberton Borough.
Leonard L. Tomassone
On August 18, 2008. Age 88. Of Mt. Laurel NJ. Beloved husband of 62 years to Edith (nee Cataldi). Devoted father of Laura and her husband Bob Rogers. Loving grandfather of Cynthia, Amy, and Matthew Rogers. Dear brother of Theresa and her husband Frank Marcellino. Leonard served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was involved with the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Northern Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his contributions to our country. He was the past national president of the 9th Infantry Division and a member of the Frederick W. Grigg Post #68 American Legion, where he served as a past commander. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday August 21st from 7–9 PM and 8:15–9:15 AM at the Bradley Funeral Home, Rt. 73 and Evesham Rd., Marlton NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Friday at The Catholic Church of St. Isaac Jogues, 3 Lord Place, Marlton NJ. Interment Brigadier William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown NJ.
Anthony Repice
On September 12, 2008, age 92 years, of Merchantville NJ. He was born in Philadelphia PA. Beloved husband of the late Louise (nee Cirucci) Repice. Dear father of Anthony (Marian) Repice of Marlton NJ; Maryann (Marty) Repice of Burlington Township NJ; and Lorraine (Chuck) Corson of Cherry Hill NJ. Loving grandfather of Chad (Valentina), the late Jon, and Stephen (Jen), and loving great grandfather of Ana Maria. Tony was a Real Estate Broker and owned Repice Agency Merchantville NJ. He was a member of St. Peter’s RC Church of Merchantville NJ for 52 years. He served our country during World War II in the US Army and served in Germany as part of the Occupation Army. He was a 51 year member and Past Commander of F.W. Grigg Post American Legion. He was a long time member of the Merchantville Lions Club. He was very active in his community over the years; was a member of The Merchantville Republican Club, The Merchantville Historical Society, The Merchantville Planning Board, the AARP, The Jets, and the Pioneers. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill NJ.
Alfred Tornari
TORNARI, Alfred J. On Jan. 30, 2009, age 84, of Pennsauken NJ. Beloved husband of Angela (nee Iula) for 60 years and devoted father of Mark, Steven (Tammy), and Deborah (Richard) Harrell. Loving grandfather of Michelle (Rudy), Steven (Donna), Jessica (Tim), Keith (Fallon), Steven Jr., Nicole, Kayla, Angelina and 7 great-grandchildren. Alfred was a WW II Navy Veteran serving on the U.S.S. Delta, loyal parishioner and usher of St. Peter Church for 59 years, St. Peter K of C #6735, Bishop McCarthy Assembly, and F.W. Grigg American Legion Post 68. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Wednesday 8:30–9:30 AM at the Funeral Home of Inglesby & Sons, 2426 Cove Road, Pennsauken NJ 08109. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM St. Peter’s Church, Ent. Calvary Mausoleum.
Joseph A. Siano
On December 1, 2008, of Pennsauken NJ for 50 years. Age 88. Beloved husband of the late Kathryn (nee Lenart). Devoted father of Joseph A.M. Siano and his wife Susan. Loving grandfather of Louis and Douglas. Dear brother of Margaret Agnoni, Adeline Valenti, and Roslyn Galasso. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Prior to retirement Mr. Siano was employed at Penn Panel & Box Company in Collingdale PA for over 40 years. He was a United States Coast Guard Veteran of WWII. He was a member of the American Legion, Sons of Italy, Young at Heart, as well as many other Senior groups in the area. He was also an usher at St. Stephen’s Church. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Thursday from 7–9 PM at the Falco/Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at the Church of St. Stephen, 6300 Browning Rd. in Pennsauken. Interment Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Mem. Cem. in Arneytown NJ.
Walter Carson
CARSON, Walter M., Sr. On February 2, 2009, age 85, of Pennsauken for 31 years. Beloved husband of Dorinda (nee Todd) and dear father of Rindy (Bill) Seniff of Maple Shade, Bud (Susan) Carson of Stratford, and Cheri (John) Connelly of Pennsauken. Loving pop of Kim, Dan, Rob, Kristen, John, Tayler, and Colleen. Mr. Carson was a kind gentle man who loved his family and his church. He was a member of Calvary Community Baptist Church, a Navy WW II Veteran serving on the USS Waterman DE, and a member of F.W. Grigg’s American Legion Post #68. Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Thursday 10–11 AM at the Funeral Home of Inglesby & Sons, 2426 Cove Road, Pennsauken NJ 08109. Funeral Service 11 AM. Interment Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken NJ.
American Legion Links
- The American Legion
- American Legion Department of New Jersey
- Haddonfield Memorial Post 38, Haddonfield NJ
- Cherry Hill Post 372, Cherry Hill NJ
- American Legion Memorial Post 274, Camden NJ (Inactive)
- Camden County NJ — Monuments & War Memorials
- Merchantville, New Jersey War Memorial
- Camden County War Dead Index