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• Wednesday, July 17, 2019

  Legion Family Converges on Buffalo for 101st Convention

  BUFFALO — More than 1,000 wartime veterans and family members are converging on Buffalo July 17-20 for the New York State American Legion’s 101st Annual Convention.

  At the same time, Buffalo hosts the 99th Annual Auxiliary Convention and the 45th Annual Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Convention.

  

  The Buffalo-Niagara Concert Band welcomed The American Legion, performing from the mezzanine of the Hyatt Hotel. BELOW: Legionnaire Jim Alrutz of Lockport Post 410 played the French horn with the band.
  

  The convention also celebrates the centennial of The American Legion, founded in 1919. The then-newly organized national American Legion issued the Department of New York its state charter on May 24, 1919.

  The Legionnaires will discuss issues affecting veterans, community and nation, such as better ways to treat post-traumatic stress, monitoring the VA healthcare system, advocating for a strong military, and sponsoring youth programs.

  They also are honoring a high school cadet of the year, an Eagle Scout of the year, top first responders from law enforcement and fire departments, a top employer that hires veterans, a Legionnaire of the year, among others.

  A late afternoon parade in downtown Buffalo caps Friday’s activities.

  Before the convention ends on Saturday, the Legion delegates elect a new state commander for 2019-2020.

  The convention assembly is being chaired by outgoing Commander Gary Schacher and takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

  BELOW: Legion Family members were excited to be at the convention.

  

  Donna Wenzel, Wayne Sorrentino and PDC Tim Van Patten.

  

  Lynn May and David Goodnough of Philaphia, NY Post 798

  

  Dave Walker and Tom Brown of Pulaski Post 358

   

  

  Ed Morris of Meeker-O’Rourke Post 1309 in Taberg, and department vice director for American Legion Riders.