I Am The American Legion - Tony Paternostro
When he joined The American Legion four decades ago, Tony Paternostro immediately started looking for a program in which he could get involved. Having experience with youth – and wanting something that accommodated his work schedule – he turned to the Oratorical program.
Thus began 35 years of volunteering at the post, department and national levels, in a relationship that Paternostro describes as mutually beneficial.
“I listen to (Oratorical participants) talking about the Constitution, and I learn something from them every year,” he says. “It makes me feel good because it’s nice to see some young people we can rely on as the years go on.”
Paternostro believes that the Legion’s annual Oratorical Contest, and its focus on giving young Americans a better understanding and appreciation of our nation’s founding documents, is more needed than ever.
“It seems we’re getting away, in the education system, from learning about our United States,” he says. “It seems like everything is going to testing. U.S. history seems to be put on the side. I think we need some type of a program by which young people can learn about our country and keep our country on the right track.”
Paternostro says he’s in awe of the talent he sees in the Oratorical program. He knows of two New York participants who went on to study at Harvard and become Rhodes scholars.
“If I don’t have a piece of paper in front of me, I probably wouldn’t remember three lines,” Paternostro says. “It’s amazing how they can take a speech and speak from eight to 10 minutes on a subject, with no problems.”
Branch of Service Air Force (1966-1970)
MOS Civil engineer
Rank Staff sergeant
Post Post 1033, Elmost, N.Y.; Charles Wagner Post 421, Hicksville, N.Y. (current)
Years in the Legion 35
Legion Activities
- Department Oratorical chairman (2008-2016)
- Post commander (2012-2013)
- Post adjutant (1991-1994)