Latest News
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Saturday, September 12, 2026
Department of NY Leaders at 9/11 Memorials
National Commander Jay Bowen with Bobby Straub, who is retired from the the NYFD and a member of Theodore Korony Post 253 in the Bronx. (Photos by Gary Schacher)
A contingent from the Department of New York joined National Commander Jay Bowen in New York City Sept. 11 for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In the morning the Legionnaires attended the Fireman’s Memorial in Manhattan, where hundreds of firefighters from around the country came to honor 343 firefighters who perished at the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The peel of a bell rang out after each name was read. Then New York Fire Department bagpipers played Amazing Grace, followed by a bugler rendering Taps.
“In the afternoon we paid our respects at the 9/11 Reflecting Pool and 9/11 Memorial,” located where the World Trade Center once stood. reported Department Adjutant Gary Schacher.
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Wednesday, September 09, 2026
Message from National Commander Jay Bowen
Newly elected National Commander Jay Bowen offered this message at the 107th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.As Commander Bowen points out, every color of cap that we wear is temporary except for one…and that’s the blue cap. That is where the work gets done, where we serve our fellow veterans and communities, and where the strength of The American Legion truly begins.
That is an important, and very powerful message!
About Commander Bowen
A retired chief warrant officer three, Bowen worked in radar and missile maintenance on HAWK and Patriot systems. His 20-year Army career included service in Operation Desert Shield.
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Monday, September 07, 2026
Band of the Tonawandas Wins National Concert Band Contest
American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, sponsored by Post 264 in Tonawanda, N.Y. again took the national championship in the 2026 National Convention Concert Band Contest held Aug. 29 at Louisville’s Kentucky International Exposition Center. This marks the band’s 24th national championship.
