Charity Spotlight
100 Years of
The American Legion Written by Craig Whitney
T
he American Legion is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Since its founding, it has successfully accomplished its Mission: To honor and care for veterans of the United States military. The American Legion Marple Memorial Post 805 has participated in many local activities that help military veterans feel cared for, both emotionally and medically. The American Legion was founded in March 1919, in Paris, France. US World War I military personnel were stationed in Paris and wanted to form an organization dedicated to four pillars of service and advocacy: veterans, military personnel, youth and patriotic values. Today, the American Legion consists of 55 departments in each of the 50 U.S. states, France, Mexico the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Over the past 100 years, major accomplishments of the American Legion include the formation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the GI Bill. Additionally, posts around the country donate 3.7 million hours of volunteer service annually; assist on more than 180,000 VA benefits claims; and donate 80,000 pints of blood. They also sponsor the Boy Scouts; provide college scholarships; and award medals to Junior ROTC students. The American Legion Marple Memorial Post 805 has been a major contributor to veterans of our community since the 1960s. Demetrius Spiropoulos serves as Post Commander in the Marple post, helping to organize activities and work with veterans. It
is a position he takes very seriously as an honor and privilege. “The American Legion is open to anyone who has honorably served in any of the five branches, in any capacity,” Demetrius explained. “We meet once a month, working to ensure that our veterans’ needs are met.” One of the more important needs on which the post focuses their service is veterans’ medical care through Veterans Affairs. In addition, they also help clean and replace American flags, and care for memorials and veterans’ cemeteries. For community outreach, the post has created programs such as the American Legion Award, which is given to two students from each local elementary, middle and high school for good citizenship. In addition, Post 805 and the American Legion support the community service projects of the several Boy Scout Troops chartered in Marple Newtown. “Scouting’s values parallel the American Legion’s values,” Demetrius explained. “Duty to God, duty to others, and good citizenship.” To celebrate the 100th birthday of the American Legion, the Marple post will be hosting a barbecue on Saturday July 13 at Noon. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the festivities! This is an opportunity to help grow membership by spreading awareness of the American Legion’s programs. It’s also a time for local veterans to socialize and enjoy some good food and friends. M
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July 2019
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