Legion Family members encouraged to share how they will commemorate the organization’s 107th birthday March 15-17.
On March 15-17, 1919, war-weary members of the American Expeditionary Forces gathered in Paris for a “morale conference.” What is now known as the Paris Caucus would lead to the creation of what would become The American Legion.
Each year, Legionnaires commemorate the historical event with birthday celebrations across the nation. And we want to know how you are observing the organization’s 107th birthday.
For those posts conducting a birthday celebration event, a speech has been drafted by the Legion’s Media and Communications staff for Legionnaires to emphasize what the Legion represents, both to themselves and to the community at large. Download the speech here.
Also, while there is a need to conduct them year-round, Buddy Checks are encouraged specifically to be made during the weeks of Veterans Day and the Legion's birthday through Resolution No. 18, passed during the 2019 Spring Meetings. Buddy Checks are an opportunity for Legion Family members to make contact, engage in conversation, assess risks and direct veterans in need to the appropriate services.
We’ve got multiple resources available to help Legionnaires make Buddy Checks at legion.org/buddycheck.
Posts, districts and departments who observe The American Legion birthday are urged to share to their stories and photos at www.legiontown.org.
The following are a few examples of how posts will observe the organization’s birthday.
Florida
In Land O'Lakes, American Legion Post 108’s annual birthday picnic will take place at Woodland Farms and will include a pie bake-off.
Idaho
In Post Falls, American Legion Post 143 is celebrating the Legion birthday in conjunction with its annual Community Awards Banquet on March 28. During the banquet the post honors first responders, the Post Falls School District, various Legion Family members of the year, and the Business Partner of the Year and Legion Volunteer of the Year.
Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund will serve as the keynote speaker.
Illinois
On March 15, William F. Earnest Post 559 in Champaign is hosting a birthday event.
Indiana
· In Greenwood, Centennial Post 1919 is hosting a birthday celebration on March 15 that will include a program on the Legion’s history, food, a cake-cutting ceremony and a special showing of “Sergeant York”.
· In Cicero, American Legion Post 341 is celebrating the Legion’s birthday, as well as the post’s 105th year, with a March 28 celebration that will include Post 341 providing the main dish, Auxiliary Unit 341 the side dishes and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 341 the desserts.
Kentucky
In Elizabethtown, Hardin Post 113’s March 14 birthday celebration will include a social hour, dinner and entertainment.
Pennsylvania
In Harrisburg, Steelton Post 420’s American Legion Family is hosting a birthday event on March 20 that will also serve as an Easter drive of non-perishable items for Hope 4 You, which connects those in need with donations. The post’s Legion Family officers will be on hand to provide information and resources.
The event also will include karaoke, raffles and giveaways, and Girl Scout Cookies samples.
Texas
· In Crystal City, Melecio Ortiz Post 396 is inviting those in the surrounding communities for its birthday celebration. The event will include a ceremony, food, cake and music.
· In New Braunfels, American Legion Post 179 is celebrating the Legion’s birthday on March 15 during its monthly Sunday dinner, which started last December to bring veterans and families together to enjoy camaraderie and raise awareness for mental health.
· In San Antonio, American Legion Post 592 is incorporating its American Legion birthday celebration into its March 14 St. Patrick’s Day dinner. The birthday portion will include a cake and the reading of an American Legion birthday speech.
Utah
American Legion Family members in Salt Lake and Tooele Counties are combining the Legion’s birthday with three of the organization’s other programs: Be the One, Buddy Checks and the USA 250 Challenge. On March 16-17, American Legion Family members from Utah’s Area 2 will gather at Kiln – a rentable office space in Provo – to make 250 Buddy Checks on fellow veterans. American Legion service officers will be on hand both days to assist veterans with claims-related issues.
The day before the Buddy Check effort, Area 2 Legion Family members will gather at American Legion Post 112 in Salt Lake City for an American Legion birthday dinner.
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