Legion Family members nationwide invite their community members to learn more about the organizations, while also learning about a critical veteran suicide prevention program.
Rita Feasenmyer, the president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 284 in Colonial Heights, Va., estimates that the post’s American Legion Family Day event brought in around 200 members of the community to learn about the Legion Family, take part in various activities and more.
But Be the One, The American Legion’s veteran suicide prevention mission, also was on full display – something that was just as important to Feasenmyer.
Post 284’s event included a Be the One 5K Run/Walk, which drew 45 participants and provided an opportunity to share the nation’s veteran suicide issue with members of the community.
“It’s just bringing awareness to The American Legion’s Be the One mission,” Feasenmyer said. “It was a lot of work, and we learned from this one. But it was just a great day.”
Those who paid a registration fee to take part in the 5K received a Be the One shirt – which created a demand for the item. “Everybody loved (the shirts),” Feasenmyer said. “We even had people coming up during the festivities afterward wanting to know how to purchase one. So I think we’re going to use that as a fundraiser.”
The day’s event also included food, activities for children and information about the Legion Family. A local youth from a military family also used the event to speak about his own mental health issues. “I had numerous people texting me, telling me he did such a wonderful job talking,” said Feasenmyer.
Unit 284 also presented awards to local youth for their community service and veteran-support efforts as part of what was considered a very successful inaugural American Legion Family Day for the post.
“It was well-received,” Feasenmyer said. “People comment on our Facebook page that they enjoyed the event and were looking to doing it next year. It was a wonderful day. It really was.”
The following are a few examples of how posts and their American Legion Family members conducted America Legion Family Day events. Please share your event in words and photos on www.legiontown.org.
Florida
In Inverness, American Legion Post 77’s American Legion Family Day event included a soup cook-off, indoor and outdoor games, an opportunity to both donate blood and get a diabetes screening, and live music.
Georgia
In Rossville, Post 214’s American Legion Family hosted its annual Friends and Family Day for a variety of activities and an opportunity to honor veterans.
“We just like to try and give back to the veterans in the community and are thankful for the veterans that have served us and have sacrificed so much for this country,” Sons of The American Legion Squadron 214’s Jason Radar said.
Illinois
In Danville, Post 210’s American Legion Family Day provided information on its various programs, as well as children’s games and live bands. U.S. Marine Corps veteran and State Rep. Brandun Schweizer also shared information on the Legion’s Be the One program.
“What that’s all about is finding ways to talk to veterans,” Schweizer said. “Give them a call, ask them how they’re doing, and really making sure that they know you’re there for them.
“A lot of us veterans…hold our emotions in. We don’t like to talk about them, and we can really kind of struggle in silence. And so, when you have someone reach out to you, asking you how you’re doing, letting them know that they’re there for you, really makes us feel good.”
Kansas
In Great Bend, American Legion Post 180’s American Legion Family Day event included face painting, balloon animals, trivia with prizes, cornhole, and complimentary Sloppy Joes. Members of the Great Bend Police Department also provided Ident-A-Kid packets, while the day also featured a Peterbilt big rig, a Great Bend Fire Department truck and motorcycles on display.
Massachusetts
In Westford, American Legion Post 437’s American Legion Family Day event brought community members of all ages to the post to enjoy free food, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and games and activities for kids.
The post also provided multiple veteran resources, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a veteran service officer. The Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association donated, cooked and served all the food.
“Today was about more than just fun – it was about recognizing the sacrifices our veterans and their families make day in and day out,” Post 437 posted on Facebook. “Events like this are just a small way for us to say thank you and to remind you that your service is never forgotten.”
Missouri
In St. Robert, American Legion Post 331 brought the community to the post for its American Legion Family Day event that included karaoke, pool, trivia, a cornhole tournament, raffles and fundraisers tours of the post and an opportunity to meet local veterans.
The post also shared information on Be the One, as well as the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program, support for homeless veterans, and on American Legion Americanism program such as Legion Baseball, Boys and Girls State and Oratoricals.
New York
In Oriskany, American Legion Post 1448 brought members of the community to the post to witness training demonstrations by the Oriskany Fire Department and enjoy a heavy equipment display from the Oneida County Department of Public Works. There also were children’s games and activities, as well as hot dogs and root beer floats were served. The event was held to honor veterans and their families.
"It's a great opportunity for the community to come in and see the Legion,” Post 1448 Commander Christopher Chalmers said. “There's a misconception that the Legion is just a bar. We want to change that view and let people know that we have a lot to offer in the community and that we do a lot for the community.”
Texas
In Bryan, American Legion Post 159 held a family day for the community with games, food, a bake sale and camaraderie. “By the end of the day, the consensus among attendees was that the event was a resounding success,” said Chuck Wilson of Post 159. “It was a day defined by more than just games and prizes; it was about the simple joy of a community playing, talking and eating together.”
Washington
In Metaline Falls, American Legion Post 144 celebrated American Legion Family Day by inviting the community to enjoy free hot dogs, ice cream and snacks. The day included children’s activities, door prizes and a raffle and live music. Post 144 also used the event to spread awareness about Be the One.
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