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Tuesday January 21, 2014 Edition
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A Tradition Of Local Support And Commitment Honoring The American Legion

Tuesday January 21, 2014

By Cookie Steponaitis

When the American Legion was chartered and approved by Congress in 1919 its mission was to be a patriotic veteran’s organization that was devoted to helpfulness. The American Legion was at that time and currently still is the largest veteran’s service organization in the nation and is committed to mentoring youth, sponsoring wholesome programs, promoting national security, advocating for patriotism and above all service to service members and veterans. While the names of some American Legion programs are known in the nation including one of the most prolific athletic programs American Legion Baseball, much of what the Legion does in communities goes unnoticed. American Legion posts provide support for veterans, children and the elderly at local, state and national levels, furnishing literally millions of dollars in donations each year and use a grassroots approach to being very active and influential in the advocacy for veterans in Washington, D.C.
It is an eye opening and thought provoking experience when sitting down with American Legion Post #14 Commander Dennis Steady to learn about the three local American Legions including Vergennes Post #14, Bristol Post #19 and Middlebury Post #27 and their enormous involvement and amount of support that has occurred in all three communities during the past fifty years. The dispelling of the stereotypes of American Legion posts as simply a place for service men and women to go socialize and have a drink is what prompted the interview and analysis of the layers of community support and traditions held by all 14,000 American Legion posts and their 2.4 million members who not only pay dues but volunteer in a host of capacities to make the Legion mission statement a reality.
Most Addison County residents can easily recall their favorite images, stories or events of the annual Vergennes Memorial Day Parade which was started and been hosted by American Legion Post #14 for the past fifty years. The Memorial Day Parade has grown into not only a celebration of service men and women but is the largest parade in the state, celebrating not only the veterans but the lifestyle of living in Addison County. Each parade represents countless man hours, a commitment of $12,000-$15,000 from the Vergennes Post and requires layers of volunteers and coordination. Preparation for the Memorial Day Parade for the next year actually begins just a couple of weeks after the last one and built into the charter of the Little City is the donation of the Town Green to the American Legion for the day of the parade. There is not only entertainment each year on the bandstand but a solemn and thoughtful program outlines for the thousands in the town that day the meaning of Memorial Day to all Americans.
The community will once again witness with the coming of the July 4th festivities and the annual fireworks display the partnership between American Legion Post #14 and the Vergennes Eagles Club who annually split the cost and planning of the fireworks display.  The event is seen as a festive gathering for the community that reflects the mission of both organizations in providing a quality of life for people and holding true to the celebration of the history of the nation and service of others.
Middlebury Post #27, Bristol Post #19 and Vergennes Post #14 have been involved in providing funds necessary for local youth to play on Legion Baseball Teams for the past twelve years. The funds from the three posts cover the costs of uniforms, coaches, travel and if a team makes it to the championship levels of competition all travel expenses as well. In addition to the hundreds of youth who play on these teams, the Posts also provide places for T-Ball and younger children to learn the joy of team sports and the passion for baseball. A commitment made by all three area Legion Posts has not waivered nor will it and as future generations talk about growing up in Addison County not only will they have memories of school athletic programs but Legion Baseball as well.
While these programs are the most visible American Legion Post #14 and its local counterparts are deeply involved at many levels within their communities. The Legion’s donations last year included funds to Children’s Camps, Boys & Girls Club, Homeless Shelters, Food Banks, Money for Fuel Assistance, Funds for Elderly Services, thousands of dollars in scholarships for local graduating seniors, Veterans Families, School Trips, picnics and use of the hall by civic organizations who need a place to meet. Other annual ventures include replacing flags on the graves of those who have served and other programs that have been in the Legion plan book since day one of their opening.  Commander Steady, who has been a member of Post #14 since 1970 does not see the Legion measuring its efforts in dollar signs but rather in the strength and length of its commitment to serve. “If you simply look at number totals,” shared Commander Steady, “the amounts given by the American Legion Posts would stun many people. What is important to see and understand is the longevity of the presence and persistence of the American Legion in the communities. We are here to stay and each generation takes up where the one behind it left off, serving and helping. So while we are delighted everyone enjoys the parade and other co-sponsored events we want to let readers know that the 440 regular members of American Legion Post #14 and the 1000 members when you add in our Sons of the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary are committed to service men and women, children, elderly and the towns we proudly call our home.”
The Valley Voice salutes the American Legion and all service organizations who continue to be the backbone of the communities of Addison County and serve very quietly, while celebrating their missions and the interface between civic pride and life in Addison County.


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