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  • Tuesday, November 10, 2020

    Willingness to Go in Harm’s Way Sets Veterans Apart

    Veterans carry huge flag

    Veterans proudly carry a huge American flag during a previous Veterans Day parade in New York City.

    McDermott MikeBy Commander Michael McDermott,
    Department of New York

    We honor our fallen on Memorial Day.

    Veterans Day, however, is for ALL who served.

    I was privileged to know a World War II vet who received two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts after landing in Normandy and then fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. I also was privileged to know a Vietnam-era vet who served in the Army Reserve but never saw combat.

    There is no such thing as insignificant military service.

    It is why The American Legion only requires a single day of honorable military service to join our ranks. We understand that it isn’t just the sacrifice and service that are important, but the WILLINGNESS to defend our freedoms, the WILLINGNESS to offer one’s life in defense of this nation that sets veterans apart.

    So please show your appreciation for veterans. Tell veterans that you love them and that you are grateful for their service.

    Veterans Day is an important but symbolic way of saying thanks.

    I invite you to join The American Legion is showing appreciation EVERY DAY.

  • Wednesday, November 04, 2020

    Jr. Shooting Sports Season Starts Nov. 20

    League and Championship Matches to Take Place at Local Posts

    With the COVID-19 pandemic having lingering impact, the New York State American Legion Junior Shooting competition will take place entirely at local American Legion Posts, Jr. Shooting Chair Lawrence Behling announced.

    “All matches will be fired at your American Legion Post this year for the NYS American Legion League, including the NYS Championship, due to the virus,” Behling noted in a letter to team coaches.

    The season begins Nov. 20. Registration forms and team rosters should be submitted via email by Nov. 7 (or as soon as possible).

    Teams still on standdown need to register and submit their information, he said, so that score keepers can track them as soon as they can start their matches.

    There are only five matches this year against other teams. All individual shooters must fire all five matches to be able to shoot in the NYS League Championship.

    “We understand that the nature of the virus has changed many things that we do, and can still change things that we are doing in the NYS League this year,” Behling said. “So this will affect the amount of time you have to work with your teams. We had a two-week reporting period for scores for matches, but we are changing this to a three-week reporting period with the exception of a virus-related forced shutdown for 14 days. If there is a virus shutdown, you must report to the score keeper so he can reset your match times for your team.”

    He noted: “The NYS League Championship will be fired at your own range this year, with match targets being mailed to you for the championship. Targets must have a witness this year.”