21st Ward Veterans Association

11/24/2025

Sun, Dec 7: Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance - 1:00 pm Gorgas Park
Posted is information about the 84th anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on December 7, 1941. We are honored to have Army Colonel (retired) James Browne as our guest speaker for this significant event. Additionally, we will rebroadcast the famous speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Congress, in which he declared war against Japan. This pivotal moment in history is often overlooked, yet it was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that propelled America into World War II. Consequently, the United States joined the Allies in Europe, contributing to the broader war effort and ultimately shaping the course of history.

11/12/2025

The Link below contains a video of the Flag Retirement ceremony where scouts from troop 334 retired approximately 15 to 20 thousand worn and damaged flags collected over the past 2 years.

The video was created by John Katrina a volunteer at Gorgas Park. John has been very supportive of the 21st Ward Veterans by documenting our activities on video.
Enjoy this well created video.

https://1drv.ms/v/c/e07d2e007b788a4b/EeRQFhLFbhlPjUTwz1nVIRkB7Q8r_I15RkqkuuVmp--5Eg

11/12/2025

11/09/2025

Attached are the details for this year's Veterans Day service on Tuesday November 11 at 11am.

Please note the photos in the background are local veterans who have served our country from Morris Hunter, World War 1 through current times. Sadly most of these people have passed on but it has been my honor to work with everyone of them through the years.

God Bless

Bruce F. Hoffman
21st Ward Veterans Association

08/28/2025

Annual 9-11 Prayer Vigil - September 11, 2025, 6 pm
Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128

The 21st Ward Veterans Association will host the 25th Observance and Prayer Vigil on September 11, 2025, commemorating the tragic events of September 11, 2001. All clergy and lay personnel are cordially invited to offer prayers or share reflections in remembrance of that day.

The vigil will be held at Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128. The program will begin promptly at 6:00 pm and conclude at 7:00 pm; participants are asked to arrive by 5:30 pm for scheduling purposes.

The service will open with an introduction, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the National Anthem by the Roxborough Male Chorus. After an invocation and opening remarks, clergy members will lead prayers and offer reflections, during which candles will be lit in memory of those lost in the attacks.

A segment of the program will recognize first responders, including the presentation of certificates to firefighters and to the Police Officer of the Year, selected by the commanding officer of the Fifth Police Precinct. This tribute will be followed by the placement of a wreath and the playing of TAPS.

Patriotic music by the Roxborough Male Chorus will accompany the ceremony, which will close with a benediction. This event is open to families, and all generations are encouraged to attend as part of our collective remembrance and education.

To participate, please respond by September 4. For inquiries or to confirm participation, contact Bruce F. Hoffman, 21st Ward Veterans Association.

07/24/2025

05/23/2025

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church & the VFW Honor Guard remember Lt. Orlando Perry.

05/22/2025

Memorial Day Services Monday, May 26, 2025 - 3 venues
10 am: Wissahickon Memorial
Noon: Leverington Cemetery
1 pm: Gorgas Park

Memorial Day stands as the most solemn occasion for our veterans, a day dedicated to remembrance and reflection. It is a time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and in defense of our freedom.

The ceremony pays tribute to our fallen comrades and includes an Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, heartfelt Remarks, the Placement of Wreaths, a moving performance of Taps, and concludes with a Benediction.

05/06/2025

Cemetery Flag Placement​ - Sunday, May 18, 2025, 9:30am -Noon
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
3301 W Cheltenham Ave, Glenside, PA 19038

Honor our Veterans and First Responders by placing American flags on their graves during this meaningful annual tradition. The event is organized by the Henry Houston American Legion Post 3, showcasing gratitude and remembrance for those who served our community and nation.

267-304-5787 Call or Text with questions or to volunteer/participate.

12/06/2024

Join us this Sunday , December 8, 2024 -- one day after Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th -- at 1:00 pm in Gorgas Park for Observance of the 83rd Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. We will have a wreath placement and play the FDR Speech famous for the “A Date that Will Live on INFAMY. “

Hope to see you at Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128 on Sunday December 8, 2024.

God Bless and I hope you enjoy a blessed, happy, and healthy Christmas Holiday.

Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Bruce F. Hoffman
21st Ward Veterans Association
[email protected]

11/11/2024

Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11 am the 21st Ward Veterans Association will be conducting our annual observance for Veterans Day, Army COL Jim Browne will be the Keynote speaker.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War I. The armistice that ended the hostilities was signed on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first Armistice Day, honoring those who served in the war. The day was marked by parades, public gatherings, and a brief pause in business activities at 11 a.m.

In 1938, Armistice Day became a legal federal holiday. After World War II and the Korean War, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11 each year, celebrating the service and sacrifices of all U.S. military veterans.
I hope to see you on Monday. Please share this information, with all my fellow Veterans Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are now a tiny portion of the population so continue to stand proud. For my USMC Friends Happy Birthday.

FYI the majority of the veterans shown on the flyer are now deceased but will forever remain in my heart for the service and dedication they had for our community. They served with honor and distinction.

Enjoy this holiday for those who served have earned it.

God Bless,
Bruce

21st Ward Veterans Association
Bruce F Hoffman
2039 Oak Avenue,
Hatfield, PA 19440

267-304-5787 Call or Text
[email protected]