PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Foundation

01/26/2026

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the 2026 PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Scholarship. This year is especially meaningful — thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re proud to announce that the scholarship award has been increased to $2,000 for the first time. And for the first time, our application is fully online, making it easier for students to apply.

Open to eligible Weehawken area high school seniors
Applications due April 24, 2026
Recipient announced by May 11, 2026
Award presented at the Weehawken Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

👉 Apply here:
https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/online-application

We are incredibly grateful to our donors and community members who made this increase possible. Your continued support helps us honor Sal’s legacy and invest in the future of local students. 💙

Apply for the Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Scholarship by April 24. A $2,000 award for eligible Weehawken high school seniors.

12/08/2025

🕯️ Light a candle for Sal. On this December 8th, we honor Sal's memory in the most meaningful way we can - through giving.
I invite you to join me in making a symbolic $8 donation to the PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Foundation.
Give $8, drop a 🕯️ in the comments, and help support a Weehawken student through the scholarship in his name. https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/donate

12/02/2025

Today is ! Giving Tuesday is a day of global giving. 💙🇺🇸

Sal, who was killed in Vietnam on 12/8/66, will be gone 59 years.
Please consider donating to the Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Foundation. Dedicated to preserving Sal’s legacy, the foundation awards an annual college scholarship to a deserving Weehawken School District High School senior and supports other charitable initiatives. https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/donate
A small donation to the Foundation will help preserve Sal's memory and help others. 💙🇺🇸 Thank you for your support!

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Veterans Day | Honoring Sal and All Who Served 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor all who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

We hold a special place in our hearts for Sal, whose legacy continues to inspire our mission at The Cemelli Foundation. His strength, compassion, and selflessness remind us of the true meaning of service — to stand for something greater than oneself.

As we remember Sal today, we also extend our deepest gratitude to every veteran who has worn the uniform and to the families who have stood beside them. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Read more about Sal and the heart behind our memorial foundation here: https://www.thecemellifoundation.com

06/01/2025

Congratulations to WHS Senior Derek Sanchez, who was presented with the PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Scholarship at the Weehawken Memorial Day Parade this past Monday. 🇺🇸

The Cemelli family is proud to continue offering this scholarship in honor of Salvatore’s legacy and in support of hardworking students in our community.

To see past recipients dating back to 2017, visit: https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/past-recipients

05/27/2025

Congratulations to WHS Senior Derek Sanchez who was presented with the PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli Scholarship at the Weehawken Memorial Day Parade today. 🇺🇸

04/06/2025

Applications are due April 25, 2025 for the 2025 Scholarship. Follow the link below to download the application. This spring, the recipient will be honored at the Weehawken Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 26, 2025, after the annual parade.

https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/apply

02/12/2025

🎓The 2025 Scholarship is available on our website. Follow the link below to download the application. This spring, the recipient will be honored at the Weehawken Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 26, 2025, after the annual parade. Applications are due April 25, 2025

https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/apply

01/15/2025

🎓 Attention Weehawken School District High School Seniors! We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Cemelli Foundation Scholarship application is now available. 🇺🇸

📝 Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2025

🔗 Click here to learn more and apply:

A $1,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a Weehawken high school senior attending college full-time in the 2025-2026 school year. The recipient will be honored at the Weehawken Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 26, 2025, after the annual parade.

12/08/2024

58 years ago - PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli
KIA - Vietnam
August 14, 1946 - December 8, 1966

PFC Salvatore P. Cemelli was the first fatality in Hudson County of the Vietnam War and the first of 3 from Weehawken. He was a Rifleman in the 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, B CO, 1st BN, 18 INF REG, 1 INF Div.
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Sal was drafted in January 1966, arrived in Vietnam in June 1966 and was killed in action on December 8, 1966 – 11 months after receiving his draft notice.
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He was 20 years old when his squad was ambushed while on a mission in a small village in Vietnam on the morning of December 8, 1966. Sal, along with another soldier, was killed and several wounded.

Not a day goes by that we don't think of you.

Learn more about the memorial foundation here: https://www.thecemellifoundation.com/

12/03/2024

Today is ! Giving Tuesday is a day of global giving. 💙🇺🇸

On 12/8/24, Sal, who was killed in Vietnam on 12/8/66, will be gone 58 years.

Please consider donating to the Salvatore P. Cemelli Memorial Foundation. Dedicated to preserving Sal’s legacy, the foundation awards an annual college scholarship to a deserving Weehawken School District High School senior and supports other charitable initiatives.
A small donation to the Foundation will help preserve Sal's memory and help others. 💙🇺🇸 Thank you for your support!

Your contribution will help provide scholarships to deserving high school seniors and support other charitable causes within the community.