AMERICAN LEGION
FREDERICK W. GRIGG POST 68
Post Office Box 1411, Merchantville, New Jersey 08109
Post Phone:
e-mail

The F.W. Grigg Post 68 of the American Legion has been active in Merchantville since the early 1920s. The Post is named after Corporal Frederick W. Grigg, who had grown up in Merchantville as one of ten children and had served with General Pershing in Mexico prior to America's entry into World War I in 1917. Corporal Grigg was killed in action in October of 1918, one of four Merchantville men to make the Supreme Sacrifice for their country during World War I. The post received its temporary charter on August 13, 1919, and was formally chartered on March 21, 1921.

For many years the Post kept a home at 1 West Chestnut Avenue in Merchantville. In more recent times Post 68 has met at the Merchantville Community Center, at the foot of Greenleigh Court, off of Maple Avenue. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.

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 served had in all of her past conflicts.

Today the Post is active in advancing educational activities in the local schools, funding projects relating to disabled veterans, and sponsoring the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Wellwood Memorial Park. The theme for the 2009 event will be Pearl Harbor. 

In 21st Century America our Country needs us as never before, not to fight, but to provide an example of what men and women of good character can and should do for their towns and neighborhoods. If you've served active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras and have been honorably discharged or are still servicing, you are eligible for membership in The American Legion and WE WANT YOU. Although our Post is based in Merchantville, all those eligible are welcome. We especially would like to hear from those in Pennsauken and East Camden and nearby communities where veterans groups have not been active.

Post 68's Activities - 2009

Who we are is far less important than what we do. The American Legion and Post 68 offers men and women who have served their country in uniform opportunities to serve their country and community after the days of their military service has passed. 

At the February meeting, Adjustant Bob Disch reported that the the Mail box that the Post has been working to procure in order for individuals to properly dispose of worn American Flags was being painted. Bob brought this photo of the box to the March 12, 2009 meeting. As you can see, painting is almost complete. The box will be located in the immediate vicinity of Merchantville's city hall on Maple Avenue. A final location has yet to be determined, and no date has been set for its installation and dedication as yet. 

The cost of the painting is approximately $600.00 and donations are still being accepted. If you wish to donate, make a check out to Andy Bordi , and mail it to Jeff Brown at 33 W. Maple Ave. , Merchantville , NJ   08109, or come to our April meeting at the Merchantville Community Center on April 9th . No amount is too small.

A motion was passed at the February meeting to send a check to the PFC Giordano Detachment, Military Support Group of  New Jersey to help cover the cost of mailing packages to our deployed troops in the Middle East. The Post received the following letter of thanks from Karen Jennings, who coordinates the group's package program. 

A Flag Disposal Ceremony was scheduled to be held at the Burrough-Dover House in Pennsauken on Saturday the 13^th of  June this year. We will need volunteers for this service and at least one day of practice prior to the event. Joe Fitzpatrick will help coordinate this event.

The Cherry Hill Post 372 is hosting the traveling Vietnam Wall from April 16^th – 19^th. , 2009 and are looking for volunteers to help in all aspects of the visit. There were sign-up forms at the March meeting and there will also will be sign-up forms at the April meeting. You can also go to www.alch372.com and fill out the on-line volunteer form.

Post 68 will have a number of members helping out at this event.

Post 68 sponsors educational activities for the schoolchildren in our community. Entries have been received from middle-school students at the public and parochial schools in Merchantville for this year's American Legion Safety Essay contest and from elementary school students for the American Legion Coloring contest. Awards will be made prior to the end of the school year. 

UPCOMING EVENTS - POST 68

Post Meeting Second Thursday of Every Month
7:30 PM at the Merchantville Community Center

e-mail for more information

OFFICERS

Post 68 - March 12, 2008

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AMERICAN LEGION LINKS

The American Legion

American Legion Department of New Jersey

Camden County Posts

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