Legion takes center stage in downtown Baltimore

Walking through Baltimore’s August heat and humidity in the middle of the afternoon could be considered challenging. But for Department of Georgia Legionnaire Nadine Asberry, it was an honor and a chance to raise The American Legion’s profile.

Asberry, a member of Post 296 in Marietta, helped carry the department’s banner with her husband, Ed.

“It’s an honor because we advocate for veterans,” Nadine said. “To be able to come out like this – there’s so many veterans who don’t even know that The American Legion exists and what we have to offer. In these days and times, everybody needs help – especially the ones that are coming home (from military service) broken up and everything.”

Nadine was one of hundreds of Legion family members who took part in the annual national convention parade on Aug. 31. The 83-unit parade moved through temperatures in the high 80s along Pratt Street. Legion departments and bands marched along, waving to Baltimore residents lining the street.

Because of Georgia’s membership success, its delegation led off the process of contiguous Legion departments. Nadine called that status both an honor and an incentive. “I think it inspires and encourages to do even better next year, which we want to do,” she said. “We’ve got to look even better.”

Past National Commander Dan Dellinger, who served in that role from 2013-2014, served as honorary grand marshal and chose to walk, rather than ride in the back of a car, with his wife Margaret.

“It’s just a fantastic feeling,” Dellinger said of helping lead off the parade. “The American Legion has such a fantastic tradition, and all we can do is continue to perpetuate that as we continue to grow and take better care of our veterans and our communities.”

Dellinger said the parade is an important part of the national convention. “It’s a great venue for us to promote what we’re all about,” he said. “It’s about spirit, Americanism, everything we do for our great country as we continue to serve even after taking our uniform off.”

Following the parade, participants took a one-block walk to the Soldier’s Wish Post-Parade Party. The party took place at Power Plant Live, branded as Baltimore's premier dining and entertainment destination one block from the city’s Inner Harbor.

The American Bombshells – a musical group that delivers a modern day twist on The Andrews Sisters while providing morale and transition programs to veterans and the U.S. military – wowed party goers, inspiring many to get up and dance.

“The American Legion helps veterans,” Soldier’s Wish Executive Director Kevin McDugle said. “That’s what they do, so it’s a great match for what Soldier’s Wish does. Being able to throw a party for the people we love most, it’s fun for us.”

National Legislative Commission Chairman Brett Reistad has attended 14 national conventions. He’s enjoyed the addition of the post-parade parties.

“I think it’s great,” Reistad said. “It is one of the best parts of the parade: The camaraderie with all of the other departments and being able to easily recognize where everybody is from (and) just have a good time together.”