On Sunday, May 26th 2019 the Smithtown Veterans Resource Committee, local officials and the American Legion Posts throughout the Smithtown Township hosted a Centennial Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Veteran members from James Ely Miller Post 833, Sherwood Brothers Post 1152 and Donald C. Munro Post 944 along with community members gathered together to commemorate the 100th Anniversary.
“For 100 Years - American Legions across this nation have protected, democracy, decency, freedom and the selfless men and women who fought to safeguard this great nation and her children. We’re here today to celebrate a nobel vision that began 100 years ago this year… To Legionnaires across the nation, may you be fortunate enough to continue the mission for one hundred more.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The presentation of the colors was conducted by members of the three American Legion Posts, followed by an acapella performance of the National Anthem by the Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir. The Recognition of the Posts was delivered by Smithtown American Legion Post 833 Service Officer, Tom Mooney. Kings Park American Legion Post 944 Commander, Ken Dolan gave a brief speech about the formation of the American Legion.
“In support of their wounded comrades to honor the fallen and to care for their surviving spouses, and to protect democracy they pledged their lives to defend, these troops envisioned a different kind of Veterans Association. The American Legion would be built on strengthening the Nation, not serving themselves, through four primary pillars of volunteer work: Veterans, Defense, Youth and Americanism.” - Ken Dolan
A brief interlude performance of To The Colors was played by Kevin Eaton on the bugle. The ceremony closed with final comments from Sherwood Brothers Post 1152 Commander Ed Springer Sr. who discussed the importance of inviting the younger generations of Veterans to join the membership. The Smithtown American Legion Rifle Squad executed the ceremonial military gun salute followed by a solo performance of God Bless America, performed by Smithtown PIO Nicole Garguilo. Town Clerk Vincent Puleo ended the ceremony by thanking the Town Parks Department, State, County and Local Officials and the newly formed Veterans Resource Committee who orchestrated the 100th Anniversary celebration.
About the American Legion:
The American Legion is the nation’s leading advocate for veterans. With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong National Security, Veterans Affairs, Americanism and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 13,000 posts across the nation and around the world.
About the Veterans Resource Committee
The Veterans Resource Committee acts as an avenue for local veterans to obtain information on veterans services within the Town of Smithtown. The group, is led by Town Clerk Vincent Puleo and members of local veterans organizations. The objectives of the committee seeks to discover new ways to disseminate information to military families, veterans and active duty members.