From New York to California, American Legion Family members helped their communities commemorate the sacred day.
The 2024 Veterans Day Parade in Elk Grove, Calif., was a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the nation's veterans, showcasing the resilience and unity of the community. Sponsored by the American Legion Family at Elk Grove Post 233 in Elk Grove, and the Post 55 Legion Family in Elk Grove-Laguna, the event was a stirring reminder of the community’s deep respect for those who have served.
As heavy rains descended the day commenced at 10 a.m. with a solemn Veterans Day ceremony, during which the local tradition of reading the names of all veterans associated with local veterans' organizations took center stage. During both the ceremony and the subsequent parade which began promptly at 11:11 a.m., participants and spectators braved the downpour, underscoring the community's steadfast commitment to honoring veterans, regardless of the weather.
The parade itself featured a vibrant mix of local veteran service organizations, Scouting troops, civic groups and local political leaders.
- Jeric Wilhelmsen
The following are other examples of how the American Legion Family observed Veterans Day nationwide. Please remember to share your stories and photos at Legiontown.org.
Alabama
In Dothan, American Legion Riders Chapter 12 honored Navy veteran Herschel Bullard by riding to his home and then erecting a flagpole. Bullard, who served 26 years in the U.S. Navy, also was presented with a certificate and a special token to show appreciation for his service.
“It’s good to acknowledge veterans as a kindred group, and we love honoring him,” American Legion Post 12 member Troy Thomas said. “He is a good man.”
Illinois
In New Lenox, Thomas Hartung Post 1977’s Legion Family co-hosted the Veterans Day ceremony at Gatto’s Italian Restaurant. The event included the ceremony, lunch, gifts and raffles. ·
Indiana
· In Whitestown, American Legion Post 410’s Veterans Day weekend included celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10 and then honoring Veterans Day with a meal Nov. 11. The Marine Corps birthday included a cake-cutting ceremony and recognizing each Marine in attendance, while the Nov. 11 meal was a free Thanksgiving style dinner free hosted by Auxiliary Unit 410 for all veterans.
· In Mooresville, American Legion Post 103 started the weekend visiting veterans at St. Francis Hospital on Nov. 9 and then hosted a Marine Corps ball on Saturday night and a Be the One ceremony on Sunday. Veterans Day included a Veterans Day service at Newby Memorial Elementary School, followed by a lunch at the post.
Maryland
In Cambridge, Gov. Wes Moore attended American Legion Post 91’s Veterans Day breakfast, along with Department of Maryland Commander Dave Heredia and Maryland Secretary of Veterans and Military Families Anthony Woods. All three delivered remarks, while Woods also delivered some positive news: Two American Legion posts are to receive grants for capital projects through the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund. He said Post 70 and Post 193 would receive funding for capital projects., while the Department of Maryland is receiving $10,000 for its Be the One program.
“Seeing the different Legion posts all come together with state officials, you don’t see that very often,” Post 91 Judge Advocate Steve Williams said. ““I’m really, really proud of it.”
Michigan
In Adrian, G. Chandler Bond Post 275 took the lead on the city’s annual Veterans Day service at Oakwood Cemetery. Community members were invited to participate in a “Thank Our Veterans Walk” that proceeded through the cemetery from the main entrance and to the newly installed military monument.
New York
· In New York City, National Vice Commander Chuck Robbins and members of both the Departments of New York and New Jersey took part in the city’s annual Veterans Day parade. Participants, including Past National Commanders Vincent Troiola and Richard Santos, rode or walked alongside a float featuring the Legion’s Be the One message.
“I met so many great veterans and people,” Robbins said. “It was an incredible experience for me to meet MOH recipient Dakota Meyer, the parade Grand Marshall, and to just march down 5th Avenue with so many heroes was quite an honor.”
· In Valhalla, Adolph Pfister American Legion Post 1038 held its annual ceremony at the Village Monuments. Part of the annual ceremony includes allowing youth in attendance to take the microphone and talk about the veterans in their families. Auxiliary Unit 1038 also provided treat bags for those attending the ceremony.
Ohio
In Parma, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 572 distributed cookies and cards to veterans at Story Point Independent Living.
Oklahoma
At the Joseph Harp Correctional Facility near Lexington, Price Junior Satterfield American Legion Post 2024 conducted a ceremony and dinner to commemorate Veterans Day. The ceremony included music and guest speakers and received a visit from Department of Oklahoma Commander Hayden Woods.
“Sometimes when we get out, we don’t take good care of ourselves; you self-medicate, and then the next thing you know, you end up in a facility like this,” Woods said. “We’re here to help them.”
Following this ceremony, the post held the flag retirement ceremony.
Utah
· In Castle Dale, American Legion Posts 42 (Ferron), 39 (Orangeville) and 73 (Huntington) took part in the Veterans Day program at the Museum of the San Rafael for the annual Veterans Day Program.
· In Price City, American Legion Post 3 hosted a Veterans Day ceremony that included a free lunch.
Virginia
· In Manassas, Robert Vincent McMaugh Memorial American Legion Post 10 had more than 100 attendees at its ceremony at Harris Pavilion. The post also used the ceremony to raise awareness about the Legion’s Be the One veteran suicide prevention program. “Be the one to listen when a veteran needs to talk, be the one to reach out when a veteran is struggling,” Department of Virginia Commander Eugene Malinowski said. “The American Legion's calling is to help as many veterans as we can because we are losing way too many veterans every day because of the memories we have to deal with.”
· In Northampton, American Legion Post 56 provided a free Veterans Day breakfast that featured a department service officer on site to assist veteran with benefits claims.
· In Appomattox, American Legion Post 104 hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony that also served as a commemoration for the 249th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. The newest and oldest Marine veterans present at the event— Devin Mays and Jeff Lewis, respectively — cut the cake simultaneously with a Marine sword.
· In Madison, the Veterans Day ceremony served as the backdrop as it was announced American Legion Post 157 would receive a $306,000 grant from the Walton and Ada Thompson Charitable Foundation. The grant will make possible restroom renovations, an updated kitchen, new floors and parking lot improvements for the post.
Washington
In Sunnyside, American Legion Post 73 hosted its annual Veterans Day program at the Jerry Taylor Veterans Plaza. At the end of the ceremony, the post dedicated two new memorial walls to honor veterans.
Wisconsin
In Sherwood, American Legion Post 496’s annual Veterans Day dinner included a special guest: 108-year-old World War II Army veteran Clarence Zahringer, a 78-year member of The American Legion.
- Honor & Remembrance