Vietnam Vets From Camden County to be Honored During Memorial Day Ceremony

The names of the 89 Camden County residents killed in the Vietnam War will be read to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the conflict during Camden County’s Memorial Day celebration on Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. at the Camden County Veterans Cemetery at Harleigh Kaign Avenue Entrance (between the Airport Circle and Euclid Avenue).

“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,” Camden County Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell said.

The Camden County Veterans Ceremony was created in 2007  in response to a request from local veterans who asked for a dedicated burial place close to home.

“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 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.

Those attending the ceremony should park at Riggs School located at 1656 Kaighn Avenue in Camden City.  The observance will be held rain or shine.