Honor Legion Post Centennial

Senate Resolution No. 2426 BY: Senator RITCHIE CELEBRATING the Centennial of the American Legion Post No. 61, Watertown, New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation in recognition of this historic anniversary of an organization that has brought veterans of different generations together and honored our nation's historic military; and WHEREAS, It is with extreme pride that this Legislative Body records the Centennial Anniversary of the American Legion Post No. 61, Watertown, New York; and WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran's organization, originating with Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of the 26th President of the United States, when he was in service in France; and WHEREAS, The local American Legion was formed July 31, 1919, as a charter member of the national organization with the name Watertown Legion Post, before being renamed Army & Navy Post 61 in 1926; and WHEREAS, The American Legion Post 61 in Watertown was headquartered at the former Herring Mansion, a stone house built in the early 1800s, which was also used as a USO club during World War II and would later become the American Legion Club Rooms; and WHEREAS, In July of 1959, Post No. 61 moved to its new and current building at 138 Sterling Street in the City of Watertown, continuing its mission of an organization for patriotic veterans by hosting gatherings of veterans who wanted a permanent fraternity of people from nearby who had served in the Army, Navy or Marines; and WHEREAS, Today, the American Legion Post No. 61 has grown to become a true member of the Watertown and North Country community, helping veterans obtain critical information on issues such as healthcare and job searches, while also hosting family fun events and ceremonies to honor local military members of the past and present; and WHEREAS, The American Legion Post No. 61 continues a legacy of longevity, resiliency, dedication and passion for our veterans and others in its community and truly merits the tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the Centennial of the American Legion Post No. 61, Watertown, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the American Legion Post No. 61, Watertown, New York.