Vietnam Veteran Tom Mooney2019 marks the American Legion’s 100 year anniversary of serving America and America’s veterans. On Sunday, May 26th 2019 the Smithtown Veterans Resource Committee, local officials and American Legion Posts throughout 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 American Legion’s 100th Anniversary.
The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, was established as a patriotic veterans organization. Its focus was to provide assistance to veterans, servicemembers and communities. According to the American Legion History page, “the organization evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I”. Based on principles of a strong National Security, Veterans Affairs, Americanism and youth programs, legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities. Currently there are 2.2 million wartime veterans who are members.
Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir.The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors 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.
Vietnam Veteran Tom Mooney, representing James Ely Miller Post 833, spoke about the history of the three local posts and described their continuing service to their communities and to veterans. Each post fulfills its mission by looking after veterans at the VA Hospital and at the NYS Veterans Home. Post 833 is the sponsor for Long Island’s oldest Boy Scout Troop #3, established in 1910. Post 833 also involves local high school students in an annual patriotic essay contest and worked to establish the Veterans Plaza.
The Smithtown American Legion Rifle SquadKings 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
“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.
Nicole Garguilo sang God Bless AmericaThe 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.
Anthony Amato, Bill Kearney, John Steele, Marty Thompson, Ed Springer, Bob Bates and Ron BarrThe 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 objective of the committee is to discover new ways to disseminate information to military families, veterans and active duty members.