American Legion birthday events include dinners, ceremonies and other activities.
Just over 106 years ago, a group of U.S. servicemembers who’d been a part of the first world war came together to boost morale among themselves.
Those members of the American Expeditionary Forces gathered in Paris over three days from March 15-17, 1919; their “morale conference” would eventually lead to the formation of The American Legion.
Each year, Legionnaires commemorate the historical event with birthday celebrations across the nation. We’ve put together a small sampling of what posts and Legion Family members did to commemorate the organization’s birthday. Those who hosted American Legion birthday celebrations are urged to share their stories and photos on www.legiontown.org.
Alaska
In Fairbanks, Interior American Legion Post 99 Commander Amanda Jones shared photos from the post’s birthday party on Facebook. More than 20 people attended the event; three new members were signed up, bringing the six-month old post’s membership to 75.
Colorado
In Longmont, National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Jay Bowen was the guest speaker at the John Harold Buckley Post 32 Legion Family’s birthday event. The event included a social hour and meal.
Connecticut
In Berlin, American Legion Post 68 hosted a birthday event that also doubled as a St. Patrick’s Day event.
Florida
· In Palm Bay, Florida’s District 12 marked the organization’s birthday with a district picnic at Charles F. Thomas IV Post 117. Legion Family members from multiple posts attended and were able to enjoy food, live music and activities.
· In Lake City, American Legion Post 57 hosted a Legion birthday/St. Patrick’s Day event that included food and live music. The event raised $370 for the post’s Veterans Service Officer Fund.
· In Zephyrhills, Zephyr Post 118 American Legion served refreshments and cake during its birthday celebration.
Indiana
· In New Carlisle, American Legion Post 297 hosted a birthday dinner and program that featured Past Department Commander Jim Daube as the guest speaker. The event was open to all members of the Legion Family.
· In Greenwood, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1919 served a pasta dinner to commemorate the Legion’s 106th birthday at Centennial Post 1919.
Kansas
In Derby, American Legion Post 408 celebrated the Legion’s 106th birthday with a lunch/supper and program that featured Haysville Mayor Russ Kessler as the guest speaker. Guests were encouraged to bring in vegetables, salads or desserts to share.
Michigan
In Milan, American Legion Post 268’s party included a birthday cake and was attended by members of the Legion Family, including the post’s oldest Legionnaire and youngest SAL member.
Missouri
In Troy, John I. Wilson Memorial American Legion Post 94 celebrated the 106th birthday by serving cake at the Lincoln County Veteran Coffee Talk. The post shared information about the organization, including its history and accomplishments, and were able to sign up new members.
New York
· In Gowanda, George W Stark American Legion Post 409 combined its birthday celebration with a St. Patrick’s Day event that included corned beef and cabbage.
· In Wellsville, Morrison Hayes Post 702 had 78 Legion Family members attend its birthday celebration. The event included a catered meal and birthday cake. After the meal, the post handed out its 2024 awards that included Legionnaire, Auxiliary, SAL and American Legion Rider members of the year.
North Carolina
In Salisbury, Harold B. Jarrett Post 342 invited the Cub Scout pack it sponsors to its birthday event. The event included birthday cake, the presentation of the member of the year and time set aside to remember deceased Legionnaires.
Ohio
In Eaton, American Legion Post 215’s event included a pork chop dinner, birthday cake and slide show.
Philippines
In Angeles City, Allen “Pop” Reeves American Legion Post 123 celebrated the organization’s birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony.
South Korea
In Seoul, Lewis L. Millett American Legion Post 38 celebrated the birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony during the post’s monthly meeting.
Texas
· In San Antonio, Fred Brock Post 828 celebrated the 106th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony. Post Commander Burrell Parmer delivered an anniversary speech, during which he said “The American Legion is as important today as it was when it first began in 1919. We must continue to stay active in this worthy organization, not just for us now but for our future veterans as well.”
· In Lake Dallas, Cpl. Al Haddad Post 88 celebrated the birthday with a custom cake created by Auxiliary member Kristine Mead. During a ceremony, Post Commander Gary Moon talked about the founding of the Legion and the history of the organization to over 100 members and guests. A meal was provided following the ceremony.
· In El Paso, American Legion Post 832 celebrated by hosting a potluck meal that included raffles, trivia and music.
· In Lake Texoma, American Legion Missing in Action Post 231 invited the public to attend its birthday celebration that included a baked potato bar, karaoke and a cake.
· In Henrietta, Post 18 combined its birthday celebration with its officer installation ceremony. District 13 Adjutant Gidget Pettibon swore in the newly elected officers.
Virginia
· In Marion, Post 18’s celebration was attended by Department of Virginia Vice Commander Ron Krauklis and 7th District Commander Maeline Watson.
· In Vienna, American Legion Post 180 celebrated the birthday with a pancake breakfast that was open to all members of the Legion Family.
West Virginia
In Elkins, H.W. Daniels Post 29 celebrated the 106th birthday with a dinner celebration. Donald Lambert of Elkins, the Grand Chef de Gare of the 40 & 8, Grande Voiture of West Virginia, was the guest speaker.
- Honor & Remembrance