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• Thursday, July 18, 2024

  Despite Storms, No Dampened Spirits as 106th Convention Opens

  

  Color Guard advances the colors to help open the 106th Department Convention

  NIAGARA FALLS — A number of the delegates and Legion Family members making their way to Niagara Falls on Tuesday (July 16) were delayed and hampered by severe thunderstorms traveling across the state, but it didn’t dampen their spirits as the106th Department Convention kicked off Wednesday morning (July 17).

  Smiles and greetings of camaraderie accompanied attendees as they walked across a sun-dappled street under a canopy of trees along the convention center boulevard.

  Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said he was proud to welcome Legionnaires, especially for what they stand for – God, country and community – and expressed gratitude for American Legion Baseball because he got to play Legion ball as a youth.

  

  PDC Gary Schacher honors PDC Bob Morrill

  After the opening ceremonies of presenting the colors, giving an invocation and remembering POWs and MIAs, Past Department Commander Gary Schacher took to the podium and surprised Past Department Commander Robert Morrill with kudos and a commendation for dedication to The American Legion from the Post to the national levels for over half a century.

  Two past national commanders brought messages to the delegates.

  PNC V. James Troiola noted that the Legion’s focus on one priority – the “Be the One” suicide prevention effort – has made a difference in saving lives and in recruiting. “It’s a mission, not a program,” he said. “It’s here to stay.” He saw “Be the One” as an extension of the “buddy check” program where Post members check on other members to see how they’re doing.

  He also stated that even small Legion Posts can demonstrate the power of perseverance and become beacons for their communities – as the eight-member East Palestine, Ohio Post did after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and created a toxic zone. The small Post became the distribution center for water and other supplies for residents.

  Troiola encouraged the Department to help small posts with recruiting especially if they are doing something good.

  Then PDC Fang Wong, representing the Legion’s Veterans and Children’s Foundation, presented an award to the Department of New York for achieving the $100,000-plus donation level. The foundation, established in 2019 as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit successor to the American Legion Endowment Fund, feeds and houses children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships. It prevents eviction, keeps the power on and fulfills basic needs to hold a family together through difficult times.

  Awards and recognition dominated the convention’s opening day.