History of American Legion Post 372 in Cherry Hill, NJ

PREFACE

In 1949, a group of veterans, mostly of World War II vintage, became interested in forming an American Legion Post in what was then known as Delaware Township.

Before the war, Delaware Township, now Cherry Hill, was a sprawling area of farmland and wide-open spaces, with few residences and businesses. Veterans in the area became members of American Legion posts in nearby towns. Members of Haddonfield Post 38, one of the oldest posts in the State, assisted with the organization, some becoming charter members of the new post.

The prospective members envisioned an organization that would be the vehicle for a lifetime of devoted service to God, Country, their former comrades, their widows and orphans, and all veterans.

They had observed other posts, and noted how their members had progressed from combat duty to community service, and wanted to be part of bringing this type of service organization to their fast-growing community.

Delaware Township Memorial Post 372 received its temporary charter on May 18, 1950, a permanent charter on August 31, 1951, and was officially renamed Cherry Hill Memorial Post 372 on March 19, 1964.

Before the dedication of the present Post Home on November 10, 1957, the officers and members

met in a building located on Hollis Avenue and Haddonfield Road, a site which was occupied by Capuano's Restaurant for many years afterwards.

THE FORMATIVE YEARS

The idea for forming an American Legion Post in Delaware Township was conceived in the spring of 1949. Temporary officers were appointed, and Edward Lacey became Acting Commander.

The next few months were spent on organization. During these months, even before permanent officers were elected, the Post planned its first activity, a picnic. The affair, which was intended merely to pay for itself, showed a profit, and gave the Post its first experience in making money. A common bond started to develop between members, and lasting friendships were being formed. Permanent officers were elected at the second meeting, in September 1950. Two of the post's officers were recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict, and a member was killed in an automobile accident; the post's first recorded loss of a member. Building of the monthly social, formation of a Post Auxiliary, welfare activity, community betterment projects (Little League), the acquisition of a property, and leasing of a building for use as Post Home were all accomplished in this first year.

The County and State organizations formally presented the permanent charter to the post in a ceremony held in October 1950. The first important achievement of that year was the completion of the Post's Constitution and by-laws. On Memorial Day 1951, Post 372 joined with members of the Delaware Township's VFW Post to provide suitable ceremonies over graves of veterans in various Township cemeteries.

On the 4th of July 1952 the Post again joined with the VFW in a parade through the streets of Erlton. The Post also participated in a Camden Country parade on Armistice Day 1952, along Broadway in Camden.

Early in 1954, discussions began regarding the sending of a delegate to Boys' State, and in June of that year, one boy was sent. In December 1954, the first issue of "The Scoop" was prepared, printed, and mailed to the members. Steps were soon taken to start work on the new Post Home. Floor plans were drawn up and discussed.

As the Americanism program developed, the Post sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, conducted a "Safety Essay" in Township schools, participated in the Township's "Youth Week: had at the Garden State Park, and continued to add other youth-related activities.

One of the rapidly growing Post's members was elected Camden County Commander, and another member to the Vice Commander's position. Ground was broken for construction of the new Post Home on February 2, 1957, and construction was completed, with occupation and dedication of the Home on Sunday, November 10, 1964.

The Decade of the 60's (expansion)

The years from 1960 to 1969 can be categorized as years of expansion, in civic affairs, patriotic activities, and social events. John R. Huhn,III was elected Commander, and the Post marked a long period of his activities on its behalf. Carrying on memorial services for departed veterans, the Post conducted services at Locustwood Cemetery, which included flagging each veteran's grave, and solemn services at the American Legion Memorial. Another important activity was the sponsorship of delegates to Boys' State, with eight boys attending as delegates from the Post in June 1960.

The Post's publication, "The Scoop", under the editorship of Win Huhn,was an important avenue for information for members. In march 1961,the Post's color guard received new powder blue uniforms, with white accessories, enhancing the image the Post projected at Patriotic and civic activities. In the May 1961 election, John J. Reilly (affectionately known as "Big Dod") was elected Post Commander. In June of that same year, Arthur B. Erdman received the "Legionnaire of the Year" award in recognition of his continuing service on behalf of the Posts Boys State Program. Also receiving an award for outstanding citizenship was Mayor John C. Gilmour.

Post members made sure social activities of interest to them and their families were arranged and scheduled. They included a Summer Dance,Shrimp Night, Hawaiian Night, Monte Carlo, and various award dinners. To extend their social activities to hospitalized veterans,Post members held Bingo parties at the Ancora Facility. The Post also hosted a party for wounded Vietnam veterans at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and Post Home. It also sought veterans of that conflict to join the Post, which up until that time had been primarily composed of veterans of World War II and Korea.

In conjunction with the National organization, the Post promoted Americanism programs on several levels. Poppy Day was organized and teaching the proper respect to the American flag was emphasized.Student essay contests were held to instill an appreciation for American values. A Christmas party held in 1965 had a unique admission price of canned goods and non-perishable grocery items tobe distributed among the needy. With the growth of Cherry Hill's population, new athletic facilities were needed at the High School and the Post and its color guard participated in the dedication of the athletic field at Cherry Hill High School West.

In the middle of the decade, 1964, the name of the Post was changed from Delaware Township to Cherry Hill Post 372, as it is known today. Finally, at the end of the decade, in 1969, Post 372 participated in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of American Legion in 1919.

1970-1989

The Post enjoyed increased financial success in the early 1970's, making it possible to pay off the mortgage. The Richard C. Ward Scholarship to qualified students was continued until its funding became no longer possible.

But the Post fell into financial difficulty in late 1976, and some expenditures and programs had to be cut. Due to the social turbulence of the times, the Post home was beset with vandalism. In 1982, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 372 was organized. It is hoped that eventually, when the US is no longer involved in wars,they will be the ones to carry on the traditions of this great organization.

The Post Home saw an addition with the construction of the "Trophy"Room, now know as the "Jack Huhn" Room, at a cost of $80,000. The Korean and Vietnam wings were added to the Cherry Hill Memorial and dedicated on September 19, 1987. Veteran patients in Ancora continued to be entertained, as were the residents in the Vineland Veterans Home. Membership numbers and available workers tended to decline due to retirements and deaths.

1990-1999

The Post Home was beginning to show signs of "wear and tear" and it cost over $50,000 to restore the exterior facade and grounds, and the interior facilities and Lounge. The "Scoop" again won first prize in the National American Legion Press Association in 1994. Jack Huhn, a formidable figure in Post and County Legion affairs, retired after 14 years as Post Commander in 1994, and was given a testimonial dinner in his honor. Residents of the Vineland Veterans Home were invited to a Post luncheon on two occasions, and there was a"Recognition and Appreciation Night" for 40 and 50 year Legion members. A naval ships anchor was dedicated, and placed at the Post Homes entrance in 1994. Jack and Win Huhn both passed away in 1997,ending their over fifty years of devoted service to the American Legion.

2000 - 2024
...to be added soon

2009 - The Traveling Vietnam Wall

American Legion Post 372 of Cherry Hill, NJ brought “The Wall That Heals” to our community from April 16th-19th, 2009. The Wall That Heals exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a Museum and an Information Center.

The Wall That Heals Traveling Museum and Information Center provided a comprehensive educational component to enrich and complete visitors’ experiences, along with displays the American Legion had featuring the Camden County KIA's. The Museum chronicles the Vietnam War era and the unique healing power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while the Information Center serves as a venue for people to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war. We had the support of the American Red Cross and several counselors on hand in the event some visitors were struggling with their emotions.

Like the original Wall, the replica is erected in a chevron-shape and complete with the more than 58,000 names of those killed or missing in action from the conflict. For more information about "The Wall That Heals", visit https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/

ESCORT: The Wall That Heals was escorted to the American Legion Post 372 on Tuesday, April 14th under the direction of Escort Coordinator Tom Bietz and Sgt Brit Henderson of the Cherry Hill Police Department. The escorts rally point was the rest area in Carneys Point, NJ. Cherry Hill Fire Dept Rehab unit provided their food/drink rehab vehicle at the rest stop. Although the weather was miserable and rainy, approx 100 motorcycles showed up for the escort - an incredible number considering the dangerous road conditions. Prior to the Wall arrival, Post 372 members adorned the 2 mile Chapel Avenue route with flags, providing the perfect backdrop for the police escorted motorcycles escort. The Cherry Hill Fire Department set up trucks and the big American flag on Chapel Ave as the children from Joyce Kilmer Elementary School and Cherry Hill West High School lined the sidewalks awaiting the arrival of the Wall.

Special thanks to all that participated in the Escort: American Legion Riders, Blue Knights MC, Centurions MC, HOG, Last Patrol MC, Leathernecks MC, Nam Knights of America MC, Patriot Guard Riders, Police Escorts (NJ State, Cherry Hill, Medford, Willingboro, etc), POW/MIA Awareness MC, Red White and Blue Freedom Riders, Second Brigade MC, Vietnam Veterans MC, Star Riders, Warriors Watch Riders.

SET-UP: Set up of the Wall was done on Wednesday, April 15th. There were approx 50 volunteers, 20 of which were the JROTC kids from Cherry Hill West High School. Some volunteers spent the day working out the electrical needs (Bill Quinn & Jim Arcinese), while the JROTC and others worked on assembling the Wall and the Wall truck tent - in the midst of some pretty nasty weather - cold, windy and rainy again. Finishing touches were made by adding flags behind the Wall, 24 palm plants with smaller flags in between to form the walkway in front of the Wall, parking signs and Wall signs were placed around the community, Port-a-Potties delivered, and various other tasks. Cherry Hill Fire Department lent us the podium, sound system and stage for the ceremonies - and set up/ broke down for each ceremony.A huge thank you to our Logistics Coordinators, Brian Fitzgerald, Steve Funkhouser, and all the volunteer helpers they had that helped throughout the 5 day visit.

VIEWING: The Wall That Heals was open for public viewing from Thursday morning until Monday morning. Bus Tours (School & Nursing Homes) were scheduled on Thursday & Friday. Ceremonies were held Thurs, Frid, Sat and Sunday. Total attendance within the 4 day period was estimated at 7500 by the VVMF.

PARKING: Parking was managed by numerous volunteers

CEREMONIES: The Opening Ceremony was held at 6:30pm on April 16th which included participation from the Wall committee, local dignitaries, color guards and wreaths from numerous organizations. A Candlelight Service was held on Friday, April 17th at 7pm, which included the Missing Man Ceremony. We reached out to the family members, friends and comrades of the Camden County men (and a few from other counties) that were killed in action during Vietnam to invite them to the Cermoney honoring their loved ones. Family and comrades from as far away was Wisconsin, Illinios, Florida, Kansas, New York, Virginia and Delaware attended. It was a very emotional and touching ceremony. A Medal Ceremony was held on Saturday, April 18th at 11am. Lt Col. Al Bancroft presented Medals to local Vietnam veterans. The Closing Ceremony was held on April 19th at 4pm.

Thank you goes out to the following people and organizations that participated in the Ceremonies; Post 372 Commander Charles Macukewicz, Sr Vice Commander Ernie Brosh, Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt, Congressman John Adler, State Senator James Beach, Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, Freeholder Bruce Bobbit, Freeholder Joe Donnelly, Lt Col Al Bancroft, Col John Rawley, Bagpiper Curt Anderson (VVA), Cherry Hill High School West JROTC, Bob Patterson, Rev Bernie Henderson, POW/MIA Commitee (Bob Jonas and Tony Halas), Bugler Bobby Mac, Chief Master Sgt Al Gargas, Charles Gallagher (SJVV), Bob Henderson (Last Patrol), Marty Seroter (CC Honor Guard Bugler), William Mean (Stat Vocalist), Chaplain Chester Malik, Cherry Hill Boy Scouts, Cpl Edward Slavin, SJ Chapter 82nd Airborn Div Assn, Camden County Commander Tom Adams, SALs Commander Brian Fitzgerald, Aux Pres Carol Doyle, Val Norton, Phil Beck, Dave Larsen, Sabring Gottron, and escorts of SJ Vietnam Veterans. Color Guards from American Legion Post 372, Post 371, VFW Post 2445, VVA Chapter 899, AMVets Pennsauken, Cherry Hill Fire Dept, Cherry Hill Police Dept, Cherry Hill West JROTC, Marine Corps League 1775, Marine Corps League Giordano Detachment.

VOLUNTEERS: We had over 200 people step up and volunteer for various positions. Many thanks to Volunteer Chairs, Charlie Adams, Maggie Thomas, Jim Arcinese, Sean Cook,and Dave Larsen. There were also quite a few volunteers that practically lived at the Legion during the visit - special thanks to Steve Funkhouser for the use of the RV !

SECURITY: A job well done by all that volunteered for security detail 24/7. Special thanks to Cherry Hill Police Department for stationing police car at the Legion, stepping up patrols in the area during the visit, aiding in parking detail and being a part of our planning committee.

ACCOMMODATIONS / HOSPITALITY: What an awesome crew of cooks, sponsors and helpers we had! The Legion Post Hall was open 24/7 offering bathroom facilities, the ktichen, seating and tables. All volunteers were provided with food and refreshments. Many thanks to our Hospitality Coordinator, Carol Doyle and all the committee members (Gus Branco, Dave Larsen, Doris Ihlenfeld, George Dubell and others) for their time and efforts. Many thanks to all the sponsor who donated food/drink as well. The VVMF staff stayed at the Quality Inn in Maple Shade. One room was generously donated by the Quality Inn. Several toher out of town guests stayed there at a discounted rate. What an awesome crew of cooks, sponsors and helpers we had to make sure there was food/beverages available 24/7 for all our volunteers.

SPONSORS: We couldn't have done it without them!! By the time all was said and done, our expenses for the Wall visit was approx $12000. We had tremendous support from the community and all costs were covered! Sponors included; ADCO Porperties Charlie Adams, Al & Mary Walker, Al Sacca, Alden Cafe, All Wood Flooring Dan Mancuso, American Legion Post 522, Post 84, Post 372, Post 519, Post 414, American Carriers, Andy Jackson & Sons Plumbing, Art Capilli, Benash Liquors, Bill & Sheryl Coneby, Bill & Val Norton, Blossoms of Cherry Hill, Burt Ferguson, C & H Mechanical, Camden Catholic High School, Cpt Aaron Johnson, Cpt Diane, Charles & Terry Macukewicz, Cherry Hill Fire Officers, Cherry Hill Mall, Chester Malik, Church Road Civic Assn, Comcast, Dan & Laura Macukewicz, Dave Larsen, Dennis & Maureen McCormack, Deterding Market, Dot Wahl, Ed White, Edward & Rose Gribbin, Erlton Fire Co, Ernie Brosh, Ernie Linden, Fritz Giebel, George Purkins Jr, Haddonfield Lyons Club, Herman Goldner Co Inc, Home Depot, Ingelsby Funeral Home, Jeff Buchanan, JWV Post 126, JWV Post 395, Jim & Edna Gallagher, Jim Sirianni, Joan Donahue, Joe Dolan, JOhn & Joan Dexter, Joseph & Jeanette Messier, June Quinn, Korean War Veterans, Lexus of Cherry Hill, Marge Dantonio, Masso's Deli, Mayes Electric of Delran, Main Street Graphics, Mayor Bernie Platt, McMillans Bakery, Norton Funeral Home, Pauls Tree Service, PMB Bill Quinn, PNC Bank, Qulaity Inn, Ray Rubel, Roger Auker of Holingers Sports, Ron & Dolores Reamer, RPM, Sean & Eileen Cook, Secunda DiGiacomoo P&S, Shirley Ackuff, Shop Rite, Somerdale Bar, Somerdale Liquors, SJ Soft Pretzel & Water ICe, Stephenson Brown Funeral Home, Sue Quinn-Morris DPC, Sunoco, The Barking Lot & Cats Meow, Thomas Sharp, Town Tavern, Tracey Shite Almedia, VFW Post 1270, Post 2445, Victor & Jacqueline Pettyjohn, Wegemans, Westmont Bagels and the Wetzel's.

The outpouring of support was phenonmenal. It was very inspiring to see. Without everyone pulling together, working together as a team, it would not have worked out so well. The words "Thank You" don't seem adequate enough.

Each an every one of you were an intrical part of educating the unknowing and helping to bring some peace and comfort to many veterans, their families, friends and comrades.

For God and Country,
Sue Quinn-Morris
EVENT COORDINATOR - The Wall That Heals
squinn9807@aol.com / 856-495-7270