Share what you're planning for Patriot Day, American Legion Day

During the 2002 American Legion Spring Meetings, the National Executive Committee passed a resolution that encouraged “the members, Posts, and Departments of The American Legion to honor the victims of 9-11 by planning and executing an appropriate annual patriotic or memorializing event in the community on that September date so their memories do not fade.”

Since then, American Legion Family members have organized or participated in Patriot Day events across the nation. And although the coronavirus likely will impact some of those events this year, the virtual and socially distanced Memorial Day, Flag Day and July 4 commemorations conducted by American Legion posts during the pandemic are proof that Legion Family members are able to adapt and overcome.

We’re looking for American Legion posts, districts or departments that are planning on some type of Patriot Day ceremony, as well as any that are celebrating American Legion Day (Sept. 16). The day commemorates the granting of The American Legion’s federal charter by Congress in 1919. Please email sbrooks@legion.org with the details for your event, and please remember to share stories and photos from your events at www.legiontown.org.

Legion Family Continues to Honor Others. Throughout the pandemic, members of the American Legion Family have joined others in their communities in honoring veterans celebrating milestone birthdays. Those efforts continue.

• In Pennsylvania, American Legion Riders from Post 1001 and others in the West Shore community came together to honor 100-year-old Bernard “Bernie” McMahon with a 100-vehicle parade in front of his home in East Pennsboro. McMahon is a founding member of Post 1001 and served in the U.S. Marines during World War II.

• In Van Etten, N.Y., World War II veteran Robert Stein celebrated his 100th birthday Aug. 24. His family couldn’t throw him a big party but wanted to do something. Word got around to members at American Legion, who suggested a drive-by parade to honor Stein. American Legion Riders joined other community members, Community Fire and Rescue, New York State Police and others in the parade honoring the U.S. Army veteran.

• In Virginia, American Legion Post 247 and VFW Post 7728 in Southern Fauquier continued their tradition of honoring “Hometown Heroes,” teaming up to recognize 101-year-old Arthur L. “Al” Gore. The event took place during a socially distance event outside of the Blue Ridge Christian Home near Bealeton. American Legion Post 247 Commander Joanne Smoot presented Gore with a framed certificate acknowledging his service. “I believe it’s imperative we honor those who defended this great country from outside forces around the world, whether it’s the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the ongoing War on Terror,” Smoot told Fauquier Now. “All are deserving of our appreciation and respect.”