Latest News
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Monday, November 11, 2019
Thank You for Your Selfless Service
A Veterans Day MessageMedal of Honor recipient David Bellavia rescued an infantry squad that was pinned down by machine gun fire. Staff Sgt. Bellavia’s actions during a pre-dawn mission on Nov. 10, 2004, made him the Iraq War’s first living recipient of the military’s highest award for valor.
Putting himself in harm’s way to save other soldiers is what sets him apart. But while his valor is exceptional, his mindset is common within the women and men who serve our great nation.
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Monday, October 07, 2019
Baseball Tournament Moving to Saugerties in 2020
Cantine Field in Saugerties will host the New York State American Legion Baseball Senior Tournament.
The New York State American Legion Baseball Senior Tournament is moving to Saugerties for the next three seasons.
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Sunday, October 06, 2019
Vets Make a Better Role Model, Dept. Commander Says
During a swing through Central New York, Department Commander Mike McDermott, Department Auxiliary President Linda Tome and Sons Detachment Commander Dennis George brought their message of support to local veterans and families. Here they address members of Utica Post 229 before touring the Military Rehabilitation Program at Sitrin Healthcare. Photos by R. Stronach.
“Young people look up to veterans.”
That’s something New York State American Legion Commander Michael McDermott says he discovered in his travels around the state.
Speaking at a testimonial dinner in Rome Oct. 4, McDermott encouraged Legion Posts to hold or sponsor more activities for youth and families. It’s something he remembers fondly participating in as a kid himself.
The 130 attendees erupted into cheers and applause when he went on to say:
“Isn’t it a lot better to have a veteran as a role model than a football player who refuses to stand up for the national anthem?”
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Sunday, September 29, 2019
Oratorical Scholarship Contests Start This Fall
The annual American Legion oratorical contest gets underway in the fall.
The “Constitutional Speech Contest” comes with scholarships at all levels of competition and is open to junior high and high school students who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
The oratorical contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. The program presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Posts are encouraged to sponsor students and have their applications submitted to their respective county oratorical chairpersons no later than Nov. 16.
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Tuesday, September 17, 2019
4 Players Awarded Department Baseball Scholarships
Four American Legion Baseball players won scholarships from the Department Baseball program, Baseball Chair Bruce Mayfield announced.
Braden Hoffman of Ilion, NY was awarded a first-place $1000 scholarship. His application was submitted to National American Legion for further consideration. He plans to pursue a teaching degree at SUNY College at Cortland, then a master’s degree, so he can teach school and coach sports. Braden was in the top 10 percent of his class at Central Valley Academy.
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Monday, September 16, 2019
Centennial Moment: Legion Gets Federal Charter Sept. 16, 1919
