Members of Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 and other local veterans and service members are invited to participate in the 18th Annual Veterans Day Program at the Haddonfield Middle School on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. A special feature this year will be the guest speaker, Dr. Eugene Richardson, from the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the nation’s first black military airmen. Between 1941 and 1946, nearly 1,000 black pilots successfully completed their training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Of these, 450 served overseas during WWII, and 150 died during aerial combat or training. However, in spite of their significant achievements and dedicated service, these black servicemen faced continued racism and bigotry. In 1948, President Truman signed an Executive Order mandating equal treatment and opportunity in all of the U.S. armed forces. This order was the first step toward desegregation in the military and society as a whole.
The Nov. 12 program will begin in the auditorium and include the Pledge of Allegiance; the “Star Spangled Banner”, introduction of veterans and other guests; remarks by Middle School Principal Dennis Morolda, teacher John Farrell, and Post 38 Commander Jon Batchelor; Dr. Richardson’s presentation; and “Taps”. Following the Auditorium portion, there will be a luncheon for veterans and others in the library. After lunch, the veterans will visit the seventh and eighth-grade classrooms for informal discussions with the students.
If you plan to attend, and/or have any questions, please call Jim McCullough on (856) 429–4421.
