Across the nation, posts have scheduled watch parties for America’s Game in the first year of American Legion associate sponsorship.
The American Legion is in its first year of being an associate sponsor and official veteran service organization of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. The game, which draws more than 7 million television viewers each year, is a tremendous opportunity to share the Legion’s Be the One veteran suicide prevention program on the national level.
But it’s also an opportunity to share that message at the local level by hosting a watch party for America’s Game.
Resources were made available to assist posts wanting to host an Army-Navy watch party. And posts across the country are doing just that. The following are some examples of how posts are inviting veterans and non-veterans alike to their facility to watch the Dec. 14 Army-Navy Game featuring No. 22 Army (11-1) vs. Navy (8-3). The game will be televised by CBS.
Posts hosting watch parties are encouraged to share their stories and photos from the event on Legiontown.org.
California
In Chula Vista, American Legion Post 354 is calling the game “the real Super Bowl” and will offer pool, games, raffles and a free barbecue lunch for its watch party attendees. Those who come to the post are encouraged to wear their Army or Navy gear.
Florida
· In Bradenton, Kirby Stewart Post 24 is hosting a watch party that will include Army and Navy cheering squads. Attendees are encouraged to dress to support their respective team.
· In Coral Gables, American Legion Post 98 will have the game on big screens and will be hosting multiple veteran organizations, National Guardsmen and ROTC students.
Georgia
In Sugar Hill, American Legion Post 127 will feature big-screen TVs to view the game. Guests are encouraged to bring friends and wear their team colors.
Indiana
· In Greenwood, American Legion Post 252 is hosting a watch party pitch-in that will include raffles and drawings.
· Also in Greenwood, American Legion Post 1919 and VFW Post 5864 will host a family friendly watch party, providing food and beverages.
Illinois
In Palatine, American Legion Post 690 is inviting the public to a watch party at the post.
Massachusetts
In Cherry Valley, American Legion Post 443’s watch party is being combined with a service pride event. Attendees are urged to wear their service colors while watching the game. The event also will include a potluck buffet.
“While we’re all here to enjoy the game, we also want to remember the importance of having each other’s backs, on and off the field,” Post 443 shared on Facebook. “The American Legion’s "Be the One" campaign is all about supporting veterans and servicemembers who may be struggling. Let’s show that our Post is always a place for camaraderie and support.”
Montana
In Terry, Post 32’s American Legion Family will be serving chili ahead of its watch party.
Nebraska
In North Platte, P.R. Halligan Post 163 is teaming with Brothers Tavern to host a watch party.
New York
· In Spencerport, American Legion Post 330 is hosting a watch party in support of its annual Blue Star Mothers NY8 fundraiser. The event will include raffle baskets and a 50-50 raffle.
· In Oneida, American Legion Post 169 is asking those who attend its watch party to bring their best tailgate dish.
Pennsylvania
In Harveys Lake, American Legion Post 967’s watch party will include giveaways throughout the day. ·
Texas
In Somerset, Gene Ramirez Post 443 is inviting the public to wear their Army or Navy gear and attend a watch party that will include a potluck meal.
Utah
In Orangeville, American Legion Post 39 is hosting a watch party that also is serving as a fundraiser for veteran programs in Emery County.
Virginia
In Vienna, Dyer-Gunnell American Legion Post 180’s watch party will include tailgating. Attendees are encouraged to bring team flags and signs, paint their faces and win their Army or Navy gear.
The event will include food. Admission is free, but donations for The American Legion’s Veterans and Children Foundation will be accepted.
West Virginia
· In Wheeling, American Legion Post 1 will be serving chili during its watch party.
· In Elkins, H.W. Daniels Post 29 is inviting the public to watch the game at its facility. The day will include a potluck meal.
Wisconsin
In Grafton, Rose-Harms American Legion Auxiliary Unit 355 is hosting a viewing party. Guests are invited to bring their friends and family and wear their service colors proudly. Attendees are invited to bring a snack to share.
- News