Borough commissioners recognized November as World War II Veterans Remembrance Month and Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with proclamations at its recent meeting.
“Without the sacrifices of those who fought the Axis aggression, Americans would not have the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today,” one proclamation reads.
The document also cited the 16 million-plus men and women who served during World War II and the more than 400,000 Americans who died, as well as the millions who supported the effort on the homefront.
Members of American Legion Post 38 received the proclamations and encouraged participation in its 5K on Dec. 10 to support Veterans Haven, a state-run organization that aids the homeless and jobless.
“This program has an 86-percent success rate of bringing people who are homeless and jobless back to society,” said post member John Batchelor. “We think it’s great.”
Though there have been some delays in processing, residents can expect to see military tribute banners on borough lamp posts for Veterans Day and throughout November thanks to an initiative by the post and Haddonfield Memorial High School senior Kelsie Meeker.
For the second consecutive year, the commissioners also acknowledged Oct. 24 as Diwali Awareness Day, with a proclamation that offers a brief history of the holiday.
In other news:
- Commissioners approved a number of business items that included an art walk on Mechanic Street by the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust and the Markeim Arts Center to feature temporary and rotational art pieces; and the transfer of deeds from the borough to the Haddonfield Housing Agency, a nonprofit that oversees the properties used for affordable housing.
- The commissioners also received a $50,000 grant from the state’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to hire a professional who will take inventory of Haddonfield trees.
- The annual menorah lighting by the Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties at Library Point on Dec. 21 was approved. It will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.,
The next commissioners work session will be Monday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m.