The Camden County Freeholder Board’s Office of Veterans Affairs will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
“This is a time for us to come together to honor the men and women of our armed forces for their service, and to remember the sacrifices they made for our great country,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell, liaison to the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs. “During this year’s program, we will honor the families of Camden County Veterans who lost their lives in the war on terror. We owe them a great debt and we will stand with their loved ones during this solemn ceremony.”
The Freeholder Board created the Camden County Veterans Cemetery in 2007 in response to a request from local veterans who asked for a dedicated burial place close to home. The board made it a priority to develop a final resting place for our heroes who have valiantly served this country through a selfless commitment to our nation.
“We chose Harleigh as the location for this hallowed ground for its beauty and its historic significance. The eight-acre park-like setting is situated on a bluff overlooking the scenic Cooper River, on the border of Camden and Collingswood,” McDonnell said. “We have invested our resources into making this plot of land significant for eternity.”
Established in 1885, Harleigh Cemetery is currently the final resting place of hundreds of veterans, including more than 300 who served in the Civil War. It is also the resting place of poet Walt Whitman, four United States Senators, and generations of Camden County families.
“Providing a beautiful final resting place is one way to show our appreciation. Camden County is proud to respect our 30,000 veterans with a resting place that reflects the honor and dignity they deserve,” McDonnell said. “The Freeholder Board wants this space to be a place where our military can reflect on their service and honor the men and women that came before them.”
Veterans who honorably served their country as an active-duty or reserve member are eligible for a gravesite at no charge. The 800-square-foot Harleigh Cemetery Chapel is also available to accommodate a proper military service.
Veterans who want more information about the Camden County Veterans Cemetery can call the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs at 1 (800) 464-VETS, Harleigh Cemetery at (856) 963–3500, or can ask their local funeral director.
