77th Annual High Point Memorial Service
American Legion Family travels from all points in NJ to attend 77th Annual Memorial Service
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28 JUNE 2026 (HIGH POINT STATE PARK, NJ) – At the monument dedicated to “The Glory and Honor and Eternal Memory to all Veterans” built at the highest location in the state, The American Legion Family of New Jersey gathered on Sunday June 28th for the 77th Annual High Point Memorial Services. From across The Garden State, over 150 members of the organization - which consists of veterans, Sons, Auxiliary Members, and Riders - assembled to honor the service and sacrifice of New Jersey veterans since the founding of the country.
“[It was] Nice to see our NJ American Legion Family continuing to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country”, noted newly installed 2026-27 State Commander Anthony L. Gladden. “We will continue moments like these as a testament to their strength, courage, and commitment to the United States of America.”
The event consists of a march of state and county leadership from the parking lot to the obelisk-shaped monument sitting atop a rock outcropping at 1,803 feet above sea level, where representatives from The American Legion Family have an opportunity to speak and reflect on 250 years of uniformed military service to the nation … some of which happened before we were a country.
Standing amongst flags flying on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the event is attended by those in the park and neighbors who come out to support our veterans. Members from The American Legion traveled from as far as Camden County and beyond so that we never forget the cost of freedom.
“All of these men and women – your fathers, mother, grandfathers, grandmothers – put their lives on the line to protect this amazing American experiment of a free, democratic, and independent republic … one which becomes 250 years old in days”, spoke Sons of The American Legion Detachment (state) Commander Rusty Myers at the event. “To those who served bravely, they were just doing their part – playing their role in what could be called the news of the day, not knowing that along the way they were writing another chapter in the novel that is American History.”
The event, held for the last few decades on the last Sunday in June, was first held in March 1941. With the state, called the Department, establishing after the Second World War a tradition of hosting a massive annual service and wreath-laying event every summer, the memorial is organized by the Sussex County American Legion.
“For me, coordinating the High Point Memorial event and seeing all the Legionnaires, The Sons of the American Legion, The Auxiliary and Legion Riders that come out for the remembrance of all New Jerseys Veterans is truly a humbling experience”, noted Sussex County DEC Keith Noeltner. “As part of The NJ American Legion Family, I'm extremely proud of what we do.”
On land dedicated by Colonel and Mrs. Anthony Kuser, the monument – which is a replica of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston – was dedicated on June 21, 1930 “to the memory of all who have served in any war and in any branch of service.”
To bring awareness and to honor New Jersey’s record of service to the country, The American Legion proudly assembles on the highest peak of the Kittatinny Mountains each year showing that the largest veterans service organization in the country is not only alive and well, but thriving. Budget plans were made to close the monument in 2008 – and veterans’ groups, including The American Legion, expressed their vehement opposition to the proposal, ultimately leading to it being removed from the final state budget.
“As a statewide annual memorial event, we continue to honor all who have served in the US military”, writes American Legion Riders State Director Sophia Dmoch, herself a veteran. “It’s their sacrifice and dedication to our country that have given us the liberties we enjoy today. We, The Legion family, will continue to remember and honor our military—past, present, and future.”
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The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires, and is open to all male sons and grandsons of eligible veterans. Completing the Legion Family, in the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad.
Media Contact: Rusty Myers, Detachment Commander 2026-27
Sons of The American Legion Detachment of New Jersey
862.684.0131 rusty.myers@ymail.com
Photo Credit: American Legion Department of New Jersey
The American Legion is the nations largest veterans service organization
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