A very emotional exhibit – the Fallen Tribute Towers: Remembering Our Fallen - was hosted by American Legion Post 372 of Cherry Hill, N.J., from Nov. 4-8. The exhibit was on display on the American Legion grounds, in the picnic grove.

The Fallen Tribute Towers is a traveling war memorial that honors our post-9/11 military fallen. Consisting of 32 towers, it includes information and photos of the military men and women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, those killed in training accidents and attacks stateside and on overseas bases, as well as those who took their own lives once returning from war due to post-traumatic stress.

There was a candlelight and wreath-laying service on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. to honor and remember all our military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11. The ceremony included Gold Star Families, guest speakers, Brig. Gen. John DiNapoli (ret.), Gold Star Mother Melinda Kane and Mike Simpson with NJ Run for the Fallen, along with some local dignitaries. There was a reading of names from Camden County, along with candles provided for all to place at one of the tower panels or the Camden County panel.

To encourage our local children to visit the Fallen Tribute Towers, we had an essay contest, grades 5th-8th and 9th-12th. The entry requirement was that the student visit the Fallen Tribute Towers while on display at The American Legion. First-, second- and third-place prizes were awarded. It was nice to read through their essays and have them come out.

We also held our Veterans Day service while the Fallen Tribute Towers were on display - on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m., the community came out to honor all our living veterans and active military before walking through the exhibit of our fallen.

It was a wonderful tribute, and we are ever grateful for the sponsors and volunteers who made it possible! With community support we were able to cover the costs, and our volunteers provided 24/7 security and assisted visitors.