Tatem Shields Post 17 American Legion Collingswood

30/05/2026

Diane Carlson Evans, a former Army nurse, spent years championing military women. She died of a rare cancer linked to Agent Orange, the toxic herbicide.

24/05/2026

24/05/2026

With regret, our wreath laying ceremonies for Memorial Day 2026 have been cancelled due to rain.

In the words of our Past Commander, Tatem Shields Post 17 will always be dedicated in grateful memory and to the everlasting glory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. May their sacrifice be an inspiration to us to hold high the torch which they so ably bore and for which they so nobly died.

We salute those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

22/05/2026

The red poppy speaks where words fall short — a silent tribute to the sacrifices made for our freedom by the heroes who served and died for our country in all wars. ❤️‍🩹 The poppy is a reminder that their courage will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

After World War I, the American Legion Family brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day.

The Auxiliary promotes the poppy as a symbol of the sacrifices our military have made, a symbol to open people’s hearts and inspire them to donate to help support the future of veterans, servicemembers, and their families. 🇺🇸

Today, on National Poppy Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living. ❤️

21/05/2026

As we approach Memorial Day, we'll take this week to feature the military memorials around the National Mall and show how they pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country. For most of American history, mourning war dead was a local process. In city parks and on courthouse lawns across the country, people built humble memorials to the sons, brothers, fathers, and friends from that community who went to fight and never came home. Many of these - dedicated to Civil War soldiers and World War I doughboys - still stand.

Vietnam changed everything. Because of controversy and politics, the sacrifice of Vietnam veterans was often glossed over or ignored. To recognize them and promote healing, Vietnam veteran Jan Scruggs proposed a national memorial in Washington, D.C. Designed by architect Maya Lin, the original plan for the minimalist memorial only included two black stone walls inscribed with the names of the more than 58,000 American servicemen and women who died during the Vietnam conflict. After the memorial's dedication in 1982, the Three Servicemen statue by Frederick Hart was added in 1984 and the Vietnam Women's Memorial by Glenna Goodacre was placed nearby in 1993. Though controversial at its creation, the groundbreaking design is now one of the Mall's most beloved sites. Visiting the memorial, seeing the long lines of names, walking by tributes left for the fallen, and hearing stories of courage and sacrifice makes for one of the most powerful experiences on the National Mall.

Photo by National Park Service.

21/05/2026

** Note: We’re keeping an eye on Monday’s weather. We’ll give an update on Sunday evening. **

21/05/2026

Please read for an important update regarding this year’s session of ALA Jersey Girls State. Our 2026 delegates and their sponsors have already been notified of this big change. We are grateful to all for your support and understanding, and we can’t wait to see you next month!

18/05/2026

Join us next Monday, May 25 at 11 AM for our Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Herb Conaway, US Congressman and Air Force Veteran, as our keynote speaker.

16/05/2026

On Armed Forces Day, we recognize all who serve in the United States military. Marked every year on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day joins Memorial Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Victory in Europe Day, as part of Military Appreciation Month.

Honoring the people who have served in the military is a core part of the National Mall's mission. Join us in paying tribute to these dedicated servicemembers at sites like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the World War I Memorial, and the District of Columbia War Memorial. Near the Mall, people can also visit the Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, the Navy Memorial, and the African American Civil War Memorial. No matter where you're celebrating Armed Forces Day, we hope you'll join us in taking a moment to remember the courageous people past, present, and future who defend our nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

13/05/2026

Join us for the Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 22nd at 10 AM at Harleigh Cemetery’s Garden of Honor, 1640 Haddon Avenue. Guest speaker Vincent Solomeno, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, will help lead this meaningful tribute honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

Community members are also invited to attend “A Morning with David Drummond” on Wednesday, May 27th at 9 AM at the Camden County Boathouse. Guests will enjoy breakfast while hearing the inspiring story of Vietnam Veteran and former POW David Drummond. To rsvp for this event: https://sparkcreative.wufoo.com/forms/zz93y7v1tkjblj/

For more information on veteran events, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at 856-374-5801 or 1-800-464-VETS (8387).