The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
100 YEARS STRONG
Canastota American Legion marks centennial with commitment to community
CANASTOTA, N.Y. >> The Canastota American Legion celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday and stood with the community to honor the past, reflect on the present and look to the future of the American Legion.
“Why we are all here, why we are all free is because of our men and women who sacrificed so much to serve their country,” Assemblyman John Salka, R-121, said. “And a 100th anniversary is no surprise. Because we know the men and women who fought so hard to keep our country free and safe have that resolve to keep going. So for the next 100 years, I want to make sure that everyone keeps in mind that we
need to protect and ensure that those who are here today, and those that are not, deserve our highest honor and respect. And I say thank you.”
At the Canastota American Legion Post 140, more than 60 people gathered for a celebration of all things the Legion has done, complete with food, live music and an open house.
The American Legion was formed on the basis of four pillars: supporting veterans, advocating for a strong national defense, promoting American ideals, and supporting the youth of the country. After WorldWar I, veterans saw a need to support each other and Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. proposed an organization of veterans, for veterans. Since then, the organization has only grown in scope and has expanded from veterans to the community.
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood said the men and women of the American Legion are the reason why this country has its freedoms. He thanked the Legion for its programs that help guide youths, like the American Legion Baseball programor Boy’s State. “The values taught are essential to us as a country,” Hood said. “From the bottomofmy heart, thank you.”
Post 140 Commander John Scheid said the American Legion has an important place in the community, as a place to help veterans, support families and guide the youth of tomorrow. And this service encompasses not just Canastota, he said, but all of Madison County.
“TheAmerican Legion for me hasmeantmany things,” Canastota Mayor Carla DeShaw said. “When I was in high school, the American Legion served as the musical after-party spot. They’re more than just the American Legion. They’re also a hub in the community. And more, for my family, the American Legion was a place for camaraderie and a place for extended family.”
DeShaw said her aunt was a familiar face around the Canastota American Legion and called the Legion her family. “I want to thank all of you for that,” DeShaw said. “For making this a family home.”
Lenox Supervisor Rocky DiVeronica said the town of Lenox is working on a program to expand the Clark Park veterans memorial, honoring soldiers who fought in Korea, Vietnam and every other conflict with a monument of their own, similar to the World War II monument complete with honor roll. In a release, DiVeronica said the town of Lenox is currently working on collecting names of World War I, Korean and Vietnam veterans and has as of writing approximately 1,638 names.
DiVeronica said currently, the town of Lenox is looking to any grants state or federal canoffer to get the project accomplished but said if 200,000 people donated $1, the project would be funded.
“The town of Lenox believes in building monuments, not tearing them down,” DiVeronica said.
After the ceremony, local residents and officials were invited into the Legion Post to see the history of the post, frompoetry and newsclippings of the past to pictures and portraits of past members.
“Those that have served and those currently serving in uniform are very mindful the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” said Post 140 First Vice Commander Mark Wieder. “We are compelled to never forget.”
And while local residents and officials looked over the past, Scheid looked to the future and the importance of community involvement.
“The big thing now is membership and getting members in,” Scheid said. “And what helps is the LEGION Act the president just signed.”
Scheid said previously, to join the American Legion, servicemen and women had to have served during a time of official conflict — World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
According to an article on the American Legion website, the LEGION (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) effectively declares the United States has been in a state of War since Dec. 7, 1941. American Legion officials pursued this as a way to honor thousands of veterans who were killed or wounded on duty during periods not previously considered a time of war. It also opens the door for around 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits.
“Since 1985, we’ve had several different conflicts and people served but weren’t eligible,” Scheid said. “Now, anyone who’s been in the service from 1941 is eligible to join.”
Scheid said there are some posts in the county who are facing a difficult situation as their membership drops and may have to close doors or scale back programs.
American Legion Department CommanderGary Schacher said to the Dispatch that the World War I and WorldWar II veterans made the legion, the Korean and Vietnam veterans are the backbone of the organization and the future of the Legion now lies with veterans of the Global War on Terrorism.
“Our (Post 140) membership is solid and we’re doing alright, but we need to be heard and be seen,” Scheid said.
To learn more about the American Legion or how to join, visit https://nylegion. net/