The borough’s board of commissioners read six proclamations at its recent meeting denoting events in May and June.
Commissioner Itir Cole read the proclamation for Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 6 that addressed the 422 gun deaths in New Jersey each year and encouraged people to wear orange in rememberance. Accepting the proclamation was Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group active nationwide.
Mayor Dave Siedell read the proclamation for Pride Month, which – among other things – calls on people to embrace the principle that “every individual has infinite dignity and worth.” He also recognized the Haddonfield Memorial High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, led by junior Jo Chandler and student assistance counselor Holly Penna, both absent from the meeting.
Instead, Heather Kumar, chair of the Human Relations Commission, accepted the Pride proclamation.
Commissioner Frank Troy read the proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week from May 18 to 24 to honor the township’s first responders and others who provide health care to Cherry Hill residents. Accepting it was Tim Kravitz, who received a first responder heroism award in 2025; EMT Dan Buscio; fire chief Pat Gorman; and police chief Jason Cutler.
Haddon Fire Company president Brian Seltzer was also present via Zoom.
Siedell also read the Juneteenth proclamation, which recognizes June 19, 1865 as the day when Union soldiers informed slaves in Galveston, Texas, that slavery had been outlawed by the 13th amendment. The proclamation also touches on the work of Preserving Black Haddonfield.
Accepting it was Daniella McLaughlin, a former Haddonfield High student who was recognized for her work on the first Black History Month mobile museum and her volunteerism with the Victory In Christ Christian Center. McLaughlin said her family moved to Haddonfield because her mother wanted to live near a train station.
“Being recognized in a town where I was raised and where my family has deep roots truly means a lot,” she noted. “Juneteenth reminds us of resilience, freedom, faith and the importance of honoring voices, (the) legacy, of Black families in our community.
“I receive this with a grateful heart.”
The proclamation for Interfaith Caregivers Month – started in 1990 by Dr. Joan Gault, a retired borough physician – was read by Cole. It honors those who care for senior citizens. Accepting were two members of Interfaith Caregivers, executive director Larissa Willison and board president Christine Feese.
Siedell read the last proclamation, for Flag Day on June 14, also his birthday. It was accepted by Rodney Thomas – the commander of the Haddonfield American Legion – along with the fire and police chiefs.
Township proclamations cited Interfaith Caregivers Month, Flag Day, Emergency Medical Services Week, Gun Violence Awareness Day, Pride Month and Juneteenth.
