American Legion Post 854

Discover a pillar of patriotism at the American Legion Post 854

The American Legion Post 854 on 51 Roosevelt Ave., has quietly been a local beacon of patriotism and service for decades. As with all legion posts, the wartime veterans’ organization aims at spreading patriotism and enhancing the lives of its legion members.

But time after time, the post has not only been an advocate for its local veterans, but dedicatedly opens its doors to the community, offering its event space to worthwhile causes and organizations — both close to home and in the larger Town of Hempstead area.

For more than four decades, the legion has lent out its banquet hall for standout events like the Town of Hempstead’s Anchor — Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation — party, giving teens a night out on the town of dinner and dancing.

The post also hosts the New York Naval Cadet Corps, which was formed in January 2018 as a non-federally funded group made up of children and teens in third through 12th grade who learn customs and courtesies of the U.S. Navy while serving various communities. You can regularly hear the halls of the legion echo

Tim Baker/Herald photos Top: Early resident William R. Gibson built homes for many white-collar city workers who were seeking a country-type style of living along early streets like Roosevelt Avenue and Cochran Place in the 1920s. Bottom: Bricks engraved with the names of past legion members.

with the marching orders and the thud of stomping boots as instructors drill their cadets.

And cadets offer up their showstopping naval band performances at the village’s Memorial Day Parade, and we’re glad they do.

It’s also become something of a second home for the Valley Stream Boy Scout troops who regularly host their events there.

In short, the legion has become a place for all people to find their patriotic verve and find community and camaraderie in service.

And if you’re ever in the neighborhood, you won’t regret taking a solemn moment to observe the Andrew Fatscher memorial monument outside the side entrance of the building with the engraved names of past legion members.

The monument was spruced up by Valley Stream Eagle Scout Isaiah Coombs last year as the focus of his community service project. — Juan Lasso

Top: The American Legion Post has a banquet hall that has catered to various worthwhile community events. Middle: Andrew Fatscher memorial monument, engraved with the names of legion members who served in the nation’s wars, stands outside the American Legion Post 854. Bottom: American Legion Post 854 adjunct treasurer George Schuchman and Cmdr. Bill Rohe proudly stand in uniform.