Posts, units and squadrons nationwide will lead or take part in various commemorations. Please share your efforts on Legiontown.
This Monday, Nov. 11, marks Veterans Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918 and what now serves as a day to honor all veterans.
The American Legion will be represented in Washington, D.C., where National Vice Commanders Gary B. Leach and James C. Kellogg will be in attendance at two annual events. Leach will be at Arlington National Cemetery, along with other American Legion Family leadership, to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Kellogg will be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to perform a similar function.
And across the nation, American Legion posts, districts and departments – with their respective American Legion Family members – will observe the day by participating in or hosting parades, luncheons, ceremonies and other events that remind their communities of why Nov. 11 is important.
The following are a small sampling of how Veterans Day will be observed throughout the nation by the American Legion Family. All those in the organization are encouraged to share their Veterans Day commemorations via stories and photos at www.legiontown.org.
Arizona
In Yuma, Floyd G. Jefferson American Legion Post 56’s Legion Family is hosting a Veterans Day celebration for the community that includes raffles, a 50-50 drawing and lunch.
Arkansas
In Cabot, Criswell-Robinson American Legion Post 71 is hosting a Veterans Day ceremony that will include Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, who is a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Florida
In Sebastian, American Legion Post 189 Historian Ray Osborne has organized a virtual presentation on local military and veteran history that will include a memorial tour on Find A Grave.
Illinois
· In Danville, American Legion Post 210 is conducting its 8th Annual Veteran's Day 5K Fundraiser. The day will include a send-off performed by Post 210’s honor guard for 5K participants; dog tags presented to all finishers, as well as trophies for the top male and female finishers; and an after-party that includes free chili, a guest speaker and a silent auction. Funds raised from previous Veterans Day 5K events have been used to help local veterans with clothing, food, blessing bags and more, as well as renovations to the post.
· In Newton, American Legion Post 20 and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 20 will set up flags around the Jasper County Courthouse to honor veterans who have passed away. The flags will remain up from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Post 20 also will conduct a ceremony and then host a meal.
Kansas
In Great Bend, American Legion Post 180 will take part in the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Avenue of Flags at Veterans Memorial Park. Post 180 will join other veterans service organizations in advancing the colors, which will be followed by a speaker and live music.
The post also will take part in the dedication of the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is being erected adjacent to the Avenue of Flags. American Legion Riders Chapter 180 will provide a flag line around the memorial during the dedication ceremony. The Riders also will visit four local assisted-living facilities to meet with the veterans residing there.
Maryland
In Severn, Howard L. Turner Auxiliary Unit 276 is staging a drive to collect hygiene products, warm clothing, blankets, games and other items that are needed for patients at the Baltimore, Loch Raven and Perry Point VA Medical Centers.
Massachusetts
American Legion Post 443 in Cherry Valley will conduct a ceremony at the town’s World War I memorial, followed by a flag retirement ceremony with a local Scouting group and a community cookout provided by Auxiliary Unit 443 and SAL Squadron 443.
Michigan
In Menominee, American Legion Post 146 will provide a breakfast for all veterans in the area.
Mississippi
In Gautier, American Legion Post 1992 will conduct its annual ceremony in front of the Veterans Tribute Tower at Gautier City Hall. Included in the event is a wreath-laying ceremony and guest speakers, as well as a meal at the post following the ceremony.
Missouri
· In Hannibal, American Legion Post 55’s color guard will carry the color to start the Veterans Day parade, as well as attend an elementary school’s Veterans Day event to post the colors. On Nov. 9, the post will host its annual Veterans Ball fundraiser, which generates money to fund assistance to veterans, youth scholarships and Toys for Tots.
· In Joplin, American Legion Riders Chapter 13 will take part in the Nov. 9 Veterans Day parade.
Montana
In Corvallis, Terry Nobles Post 91 will stage a parade downtown while local K-12 students line the streets to view it. The students will bring with them signs and artwork to show their appreciations for veterans in the community.
Later in the day, the post will host its annual dinner for all American Legion Family members. Many of the members will not have to pay for their meal because they renewed their dues by Sept. 11 as part of the post’s Early Bird program. “This has been an effective way to jump start our membership drive for the coming year,” said Post 91 Finance Officer Patrick Clover.
New Jersey
American Legion Post 252 in Williamstown will host a ceremony and then a luncheon.
New York
James Cooke Post 931 will observe Veterans Day with a public program at Victor Town Hall.
Ohio
· In Bellville, American Legion Post 535’s Legion Family will visit a local nursing home to visit the veterans living there, as well as provide food care packages for veterans who are in need, single and widowed.
· In Plymouth, Ehret Parsel Post 447 will participate in the breakfast and Veterans Day program at Plymouth High School on Nov. 8, and Auxiliary Unit 447 will provide a dinner and short program on Nov. 11. on Friday and our auxiliary unit will provide dinner on Monday and a short program and post
· In Minerva, Don V. Cross Sons of The American Legion Squadron 357 provides a pizza party for veterans living in the local nursing home.
· In Newburgh Heights, Post 627’s American Legion Family will provide food, raffles and prizes for area veterans during an event on Nov. 10.
· In Avon Lake, American Legion Post 211 is hosting a dinner for area veterans and their spouses. The dinner itself will be provided by chefs from the Cleveland Akron-Canton chapter of the American Culinary Federation. Last year, Chapter 211 Legion Riders assisted with providing transportation assistance to veterans in nursing homes and helped those wheelchair-bound veterans in and out of the post.
· In Trotwood, Fort McKinley Memorial Post 613 will provide a program open to both veterans and the entire community that will include guest speakers, the opportunity for veterans in attendance to share their stories, music and a lunch provided by Auxiliary Unit 613. Speakers will include a VA Vet Center representative and staff from the Clark County Veteran Service Office.
Oklahoma
In Skiatook, American Legion Post 131 and VFW Post 7977 are hosting the ninth annual Veterans Day parade on Nov. 9. Following the parade, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 131 will provide a free spaghetti luncheon.
Oregon
In Ontario, American Legion Post 67 hosted the 23rd annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 2. Community members, first responders, Scouts and local businesses are joined in the parade.
South Carolina
American Legion Riders Chapter 147 took part in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System/City of Charleston Veterans Day parade.
Tennessee
· In Gallatin, American Legion Post 17 is presenting the Veterans Day Parade of Gallatin on Nov. 9.
· In Ripley, American Legion Post 86 is joining with the Lauderdale County Mayor’s Office, the Lauderdale Chamber/Economic Development Commission and others to put on the Veterans Day Celebration at First United Methodist Church. There will be door prizes, a luncheon, and speakers that will include Post 86 Historian James T. Hall.
Texas
· In Wichita Falls, Thomas Fowler American Legion Post 169 took part in the North Texas Veterans Council’s Veterans Day Parade that drew hundreds of spectators. The parade included floats, cars, and personnel from the Wichita Falls police and fire departments, and Sheppard Air Force Base.
· In Madisonville, a multi-county Veterans Day parade is being organized by members of Austin Reed Post 84. Included in the event will be games, live music, food vendors and a fly-over with sky divers.
Wisconsin
In St. Nazianz, American Legion Post 477 will conduct Veterans Day programs at five different schools on Nov. 11-12. The post also will take lunch to veterans working at a local business that shows strong support for veteran causes.
- Honor & Remembrance