Post 78 in Milton drew in the community for inaugural Young Patriots Weekend.
A question from a post member — are young people learning the true meaning of patriotism — prompted American Legion Post 78 in Milton, Fla., to turn American Legion Family Day into a full weekend of activities aimed at answering that question.
And despite rain playing havoc with the schedule, Post 78 leadership considered their inaugural Young Patriots Weekend a success.
“Our goal for next year is to build on this inaugural event and establish Young Patriots as a stronger, more structured, and more widely attended annual community program,” said Will Pohlman, Post 78’s adjutant and 1st vice commander.
Post 78 chaplain Krishna Zadoo said the initial planning for a way to ensure youth were being introduced to patriotism was for an overnight, “survival-skill type” event.
“But as it progressed, we started thinking, you know, what does patriotism mean to me? And we went around and we talked quite a bit. And really to bottom line it, for a lot of us, it meant being of service to your community,” Zadoo said.
That led event organizers to find ways to get the community involved.
Emergency services personnel, JROTC units, Scouts, local politicians and others all participated in the Young Patriots Weekend. Activities included a “minefield” mission challenge, with Scouts showing other youth how to communicate by leading blindfolded participants through an obstacle course; a blood drive; flag etiquette; and more.
The post also conducted its Four Chaplains ceremony on Sunday, followed by a flag retirement ceremony.
Post leadership are already looking toward next year’s event.
“For us, Young Patriots was not just about having stations or filling a calendar,” Pohlman said. “It was about creating a hands-on way for young people and families to connect with patriotism, civic responsibility, service, leadership, and practical life skills. Once that purpose was clear, it became easier to bring in the right partners.”
Pohlman’s advice for other posts considering a weekend-long event like this: “Start with the mission, not the schedule.
“Decide what you want the event to accomplish for your youth, families, veterans, and community, then build the activities around that purpose,” Pohlman said. “I would also tell other posts not to wait until everything is perfect. Start with what you have, invite community partners early, give people a clear role, and be honest that the first year is about building the foundation. Weather, attendance and logistics may not all go exactly as planned, but if the mission is clear and the team stays flexible, the event can still be a success.”
Pohlman added, “Ultimately, our objective is to grow attendance, improve coordination, increase youth participation, and continue building an event that reflects the best of the American Legion Family — service, patriotism, mentorship and community impact.”
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