It’s a celebration
Reports are streaming in from across the country about how American Legion posts are planning to mark the organization’s centennial birthday, both during the actual birthday window of March 15-17 and throughout 2019.
Below is a sample of submitted events and activities, listed by state. Many can be found on the Centennial Celebration site’s calendar. To be able to list your event, all you have to do is start a post history page.
Arkansas
*Post 52 Centennial Open House (Mountain Home), March 16 - Noon
Post 52 will be celebrating with an open house, to include entertainment by our local Navy ROTC, information displays of what we do for our local veterans, light finger foods, and attendance prizes we’ve purchased from Emblem Sales. The event is open to the entire community. For more information, call Post Historian Brenda Tamashiro at (870) 656-0366.
California
*Post 502 in Moorpark is going to hold a community BBQ to showcase and celebrate 100 years of The American Legion. Date TBA.
Colorado
*Post 5 Centennial Celebration (Colorado Springs), March 15 – 11 a.m.
The oldest post of The American Legion in Colorado Springs invites one and all to the centennial celebration of the largest veterans organization. There will be speakers. There will be a special pictorial cancellation by the United States Postal Service at the event; it can also be received by mail. This will be happening at Post 5, 15 E. Platte Ave. https://www.facebook.com/events/2430182910367304
Connecticut
*Post 91’s 58th annual V-J Day Parade (Moosup) will celebrate the American Legion centennial.
*Post 210 Legion 100: Centennial Celebration Dinner (New Haven), March 15 - 6 p.m.
Celebrate The American Legion’s centennial with Connecticut’s newest post on Friday, March 15 at Adriana’s Restaurant (771 Grand Ave., New Haven) for a family-style Italian dinner and fundraiser. Proceeds from the 7 p.m. dinner – which includes appetizers, pasta, salad, secondi piatti (fish and chicken) and homemade tiramisu (coffee and tea, too) – will benefit the newly chartered American Legion New Haven Post 210. The evening starts at 6 p.m. There is free on-site parking, a cash bar, and attire is semi-formal: business or Legion Blue & Gray. Tickets are $40 per person and seats are limited; tickets may be purchased from Post Commander Charles M. Pickett (veterans@newhavenlegion.org) or online (https://Legion100.Eventbrite.com). Donations are definitely welcome and appreciated.
Georgia
*Post 75 car show (LaGrange), May 4 – 9 a.m.
Post 75 will be hosting its first annual car show on May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry fee is $15 early registration, and $25 at the door. We will award prizes and trophies, and we will also give a car away.
Illinois
*9th District Murder Mystery Birthday Dinner Party (Franklin Park), March 15 – 7 p.m.
The 9th District of the Department of Illinois is having a Murder Mystery Birthday Dinner Party on Friday, March 15, starting at 7 p.m. Cost is $25/person, $40/couple or $160/table for eight. Proceeds will go to Legion programs. Location is Franklin Park Post 9757, Pacific Highway, Franklin Park. Come dressed up as your favorite gangster or flapper. For tickets call (847) 678-7474 or (773) 588-5809.
Kansas
*Department of Kansas 100th Birthday Party (Manhattan), March 16 - Noon
This is the official Department of Kansas 100th Birthday Party, hosted by the Kansas Department Auxiliary and following our Department Oratorical Contest. Location: Post 17, 114 McCall Rd., Manhattan. $20 per person, excluding Legionnaires. Reservations taken until March 4 or capacity is reached. RSVP to Lorene Oppy: laoppy1@gmail.com, or (785) 537-4455.
Maryland
*Post 22 100th Anniversary Black Tie Gala (Towson), March 15 – 8 p.m.
Donation: $50. Live band; selected open bar and food. Held at Post 22, 125 York Rd., Towson. RSVP to (410) 823-8030.
*Post 11 Centennial Celebration Open House, (Frederick), July 20
Location: FSK Post 11, The American Legion, 1450 Taney Ave., Frederick, MD 21701. Open house for Post 11 American Legion Family members. VIP program on July 19.
Massachusetts
*Post 266 100th Anniversary Celebration (Ludlow), March 23 – 5 p.m.
Granby American Legion Post 266 is partnering with Western Mass Combat Wounded Veterans Chapter 875, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3236, for an American Legion 100th Anniversary Celebration on March 23. Tickets and more information at www.americanlegion100.eventbrite.com.
*Post 86 Dinner Dance (Braintree), June 15
Braintree American Legion Post 86 has being doing several observations of WWI Braintree vets that have been on local cable TV. We will be turning over all our research to the Braintree Historical Society on March 16 at the town hall. That will also be taped. On June 15 we will have a dinner dance for the public and an ad book. Looking forward to a big turnout at both events.
*Post 76 Family Day (Jamaica Plain), April 27
On April 27 we will have an indoor-outdoor Family Day for the community. We will also be leading the South Boston Saint Patrick's Day Parade on March 17.
*Department of Massachusetts American Legion Centennial Celebration (Spencer), June 15 – 10 a.m.
The day-long celebration begins with a grand parade, followed by a Family Fun Day with activities at the Spencer Fairgrounds (48 Smithville Rd., Spencer). Food, exhibits and live entertainment are being planned to fill the day, ending with a giant bonfire. The goal of the day is to engage as many veterans and community members as can attend and expose them to the story of The American Legion.
Michigan
*Post 48 100th Birthday (Grand Ledge), June 15 – 4 p.m.
Location: American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48, 731 N. Clinton St., Grand Ledge. Special guest(s) and agenda TBA.
Minnesota
*Post 52 Centennial Birthday Dinner/Program (Blooming Prairie), March 15 – 5 p.m.
Location: Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club. Special Guest(s): Larry Otto, 1st District chaplain. Agenda: social hour 5-6 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., program to follow.
Mississippi
*Post 16 event (Pontotoc), March 29
Special guest speaker.
Missouri
*Post 189 Centennial Celebration (Lee’s Summit), Nov. 8 – 6 p.m.
Nebraska
*Post 169 100th Anniversary Community Event (Campbell), June 15
On June 15, American Legion Post 169 in Campbell will be holding a community-wide event celebrating the 100th anniversary of The American Legion. The planning committee is in the process of making the plans for this event. Some of the plans in the works are a parade, a softball game, games in the park, antique cars and tractors show, a craft show, an evening program honoring the Legion with slides, music and skits, etc. There will be cake and a dance following the program. We invite all those who would like to participate in helping us celebrate this special event to come and enjoy the day with us. If you would like to take part in the parade, let us know if you plan on a float, marching band, driving your antique car or tractor in the parade, marching as a group, etc. We welcome all those who would like to participate. If you are interested in joining in on any of the events, please send a note to Post 169 with events you would be interested in participating in: American Legion Post 169 Planning Committee, P.O. Box 334, Campbell, NE 68932. Please send requests by May 25 to ensure your place in the events of your choosing. Events are open for children and adults of all ages, so bring your family and friends out to enjoy the day as we celebrate The American Legion's 100th anniversary.
New Jersey
*Post 18 Centennial Celebration (Weehawken), July 18 - Noon
Post 18 in Weehawken has two events going on for our 100th Anniversary celebration. July 18: formal dinner at the Weehawken Elks. July 20: waterfront concert in Weehawken.
New Mexico
*Post 9 Centennial Jubilee (Aztec), June 15 – 10 a.m.
Location: City Park in downtown Aztec. Special guest(s) and agenda TBA.
New York
*Richmond County American Legion Gala Birthday Celebration (Staten Island), March 15 – 6 p.m.
The Richmond County American Legion will be having a gala birthday celebration on Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at the Staaten Catering hall, 697 Forest Ave., Staten Island. Anyone interested can contact Anthony DeNatale, county commander, at (718) 984-2539 for information. Black tie for this event is optional. It's sure to be an evening that will exceed everyone's expectations.
*Post 634 100th Anniversary Birthday Party (Cambridge), March 15
*Post 1231 100th Anniversary Celebration/St. Patrick's Day Dinner (East Greenbush), March 16 – 5:30 p.m.
Put on by Melvin Roads Post 1231. Cocktails 5:30-6:30; dinner 6:30 (corned beef, ham, cabbage); buffet with all the fixings; soda and draft beer. Music and dancing 8-11. Door prizes, Chinese auction. 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Tickets available at the post bar/lounge; $30 each or $50/couple (purchased at same time).
*Post 87 100th Birthday Celebration (Dansville), March 23 – 6 p.m.
6 p.m. cocktail hour. 7 p.m. dinner. Location: 34 Elizabeth St., Dansville. Special guest(s): Gold Star Mother Stephanie Gleason; Cathy Young, NYS senator; Marjorie Byrnes, NYS 133rd Assembly District. Not only are we celebrating The American Legion’s 100th birthday, but our post’s 100th birthday is in July.
Oregon
*The Post 24 Legion Family will hold a special potluck dinner and have guest speakers: department commander of Oregon, vice president of ALA and town mayor.
* Willamette Falls Post 5 has set up an exhibit at the local museum to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The American Legion.
Pennsylvania
*Post 177/364 Carnival (Newport), Sept. 7/8
Post 177 in Newport is teaming up with Post 364 in Liverpool for a vintage carnival Sept. 7-8 at Newport Fairgrounds. The focal point will be a "Veterans Row" which will consist of canopies on either side of a causeway housing all the local Legion posts, VFWs, Amvets, DAV, a VA service officer, VA hospitals, and military branches’ recruiting stations. In addition, there will be games, bouncy castles and more.
*Post 790 100-Year Centennial Celebration (Smithton), July 13 – 4 p.m.
Location: 615 Center Street, Smithton. special guest(s) TBA. Agenda: 4 p.m. - memorial service & program, 4:30 p.m. - special guest recognition, 5:30 p.m. - co-parade with Smithton Volunteer VFD in honor of The American Legion's 100-year centennial.
Tennessee
*Post 5 Centennial Dinner/Dance (Nashville), March 24 – 6 p.m.
Post 5 of Nashville, Tenn., is planning a beautiful sit-down dinner and dance close to the actual 100th birthday of The American Legion. Location: Inn at Opryland-Nashville (McGavock Pike). Hours: 1800 to 2030. Dinner and dancing to a 21-piece orchestra playing the hits from WWII to Motown. Total price per person:$49. Historical pics on display, etc. Open to all veterans and friends of veterans. RSVP: Carl Stasiunas - Post 5 Commander, P.O. Box 17372, Nashville, TN 37217; (615) 361-3737;http://www.flairtoursnashville.com.
Texas
*Post 294 Legion/member 100th birthday celebration (Missouri City), April 2 – 6 p.m.
Post 294 in Missouri City, Texas, is using the Legion's 100th birthday to combine with one of our members' 100th birthday! Having a 100-year-old member is unique indeed, and being able to celebrate that with the Legion's 100th makes it very special. Edward “Ed” Gibbons' official date is April 17, but the celebration has been moved up to April 2 to coordinate with our monthly post meeting. Recognizing his 100 years will be District Commander Charlie Miller and officials from the city, who will present a proclamation in recognition of his 100th birthday. Post 294 dedicated a black marble 100-year centennial marker on Memorial Day 2018 at the Missouri City American Legion Park. This event was attended by state and national Legionnaires, and featured in the September 2018 Legion magazine.
*Longview/Kilgore Joint Centennial Event (Longview), May 4 - Noon
Post 232, Post 140 and Post 280: the three Longview/Kilgore posts are hosting an event on May 4, 2019, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Post 140 location on American Legion Blvd. in Longview. We will have guest speakers, a short re-enactment of the beginning of the Legion, food, booths set up by the VA Medical Center Clinic, a Veteran’s Resource Center, a Veteran’s Recognition Foundation, the county Veteran’s Service Officer, and each post will display historical articles it has.
Vermont
*Post 37 100th Anniversary Celebration/Open House (Bellows Falls), April 20 – 1 p.m.
Location: Pierce Lawton Post 37, 42 Rockingham St., Bellows Falls.
Virginia
*Warrenton-area Centennial Party (Warrenton), March 9 – 7 p.m.
The American Legion is turning 100 years old, so Posts 72, 360 and 247 are having a party! Bring your family! Bring your friends! Come on out and enjoy an evening of fun and camaraderie with your Fauquier County Legion Family. WHERE: American Legion Post 72, 345 Legion Dr., Warrenton TIME: 7-11 p.m. $5 per person - payable at the door - gets you 2 drink tickets (good for beer, wine, soda). Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the posts; bring an appetizer to share if you wish. Beer & wine available; bring your own liquor - set-ups will be available. Dress: Casual. RSVP to your post commander by March 3.
Wisconsin
*Post 21 Event (Kenosha), March 15
Paul Herrick Post 21 will hold an event at the Brat Stop in Kenosha.
*Post 171 100th Birthday Dinner (Union Grove), March 9
Buffet dinner & live bluegrass music. The public is invited.
*Post 440 Centennial Open House (Clinton), March 23 – 1 p.m.
Open house at Legion Hall, 508 Front St. Clinton, from 1-5. Historical uniforms and other items on display.