The American Legion Bennington Post 266 and Auxiliary Celebrate Legion’s Centennial with Dinner and Gold Star Banner Presentations
The American Legion turned 100 years old. The American Legion Bennington Post 266 and its Auxiliary celebrated on Sunday March 10‘, 2019 by hosting a meal for area veterans and recognizing two Gold Star Families.
The American Legion organization traces its roots to March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, in the aftermath of World War I. The American Legion was federally chartered on Sept. 16, 1919, and quickly became an influential force at the national, state and local levels, dedicated to service to veterans, a strong national defense, youth and patriotism.
The WWI doughboys chartered more than 5,400 local American Legion posts in its initial year. Since then it has grown to more than I 3,000 posts around the world with more than 2.2 million wartime-veteran members.
Throughout its first century, The American Legion built a legacy on such accomplishments as leading the way to create a U.S. Flag Code, helping start the Veterans Administration, drafting and getting the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 — known as the GI Bill — passed which transformed America in the second half o1 the 20th century, and helping veterans receive benefits for health-care conditions based on their honorable service, including acceptance of Agent Orange exposure as a service-connected disability. Today, The American Legion has nearly 3,000 accredited service officers worldwide who assist veterans with their benefits claims and other concerns.
The American Legion Family of Post 266 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the national Legion organization with a meal for area veterans, their families and recognition of Gold Star Families of Frederick Marez and Roger McCord. Both died while serving in Vietnam. Alfonso Marez accepted a Gold Star Banner on behalf of his brother, Specialist 4 Frederick Marez of the U.S. Army Reserve. Marjorie McCord received her banner in memory of her son, U.S. Army Corporal Roger McCord.
Picture below, American Legion post 266 Commander Richard Musel spoke.
Picture below, Les Brauer spoke about the Legion’s Centennial Celebration.
Picture below, Gold Star Families of Frederick Marez and Roger McCord. Both died while serving in Vietnam. Alfonso Marez (picture right) accepted a Gold Star Banner on behalf of his brother, Specialist 4 Frederick Marez of the U.S. Army Reserve. Marjorie McCord (picture left) received her banner in memory of her son, U.S. Army Corporal Roger McCord.
Picture below, all attending were provided a meal served by the American Legion Bennington Post 266 Auxiliary
Picture below, All attending were provided a meal served by the American Legion Bennington Post 266 Auxiliary
Picture below, All attending were provided a meal served by the American Legion Bennington Post 266 Auxiliary
Picture below, All attending were provided a meal served by the American Legion Bennington Post 266 Auxiliary. Cake for desert.
