Mayor Susan Shin Angulo, members of Township Council and the friends and family of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Major gathered together Tuesday afternoon to dedicate the soccer fields he played on for many years to his memory and unveil a sign in his honor.
“We are so grateful to Cherry Hill for dedicating these soccer fields to the memory of our son,” said Marjie Major. “This honor will serve to keep Justin’s name and legacy alive for future generations.”
Cpl. Major was a Cherry Hill resident who passed away in September 2021 at the age of 25 while serving active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps in Hawaii. As a child growing up in Cherry Hill, Cpl. Major spent countless hours playing on the fields at the DeCou Sports Complex. After starting to play at 3 years old, he remained dedicated to the sport throughout his life, even helping to train younger players along the way. If it was a Sunday morning, he could be found on the soccer field, in any pickup game he could find.
“It is an honor to dedicate these fields to Cpl. Major, a true example of selflessness and dedication to our country,” said Mayor Susan Shin Angulo. “In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, I hope his loved ones can rest assured knowing both his memory and the impact he had in this community will never be forgotten.”
The Township worked with Cpl. Major’s family in recent months to design the sign and plan Tuesday’s dedication, where his mother, Marjie Major, spoke about her son’s memory.
“Township Council and I share our deepest sympathies with Cpl. Major’s family and friends,” said Council President David Fleisher, “We’re proud to see that Cpl. Major’s passion for soccer will live on in Cherry Hill at the fields he loved so much.”
A tree honoring Cpl. Major will be planted near the sign in late April. Cpl. Major’s family is also partnering with a local artist and Cherry Hill FC to commission a community mural for the Cherry Hill FC building, located at the fields, which will encapsulate values like dedication, teamwork and kindness.
