Honor Legion Post's Centennial

March 27, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162 to be celebrated with a Dinner on Wednesday, March

27, 2019, at the Lowville Elks Lodge, Lowville, New York; and WHEREAS, A meeting was called by a few members of the Armed Forces in St. Louis to make plans to organize a World War I Veterans' Organization in the United States; this meeting in March of 1919, was the start of the American Legion as it is known today; and WHEREAS, During World War II the National Legion constitution was amended giving the World War II veterans the right to join the American Legion; as these veterans returned home the Legion membership increased from 106 in 1943, to 500 in 1946; and WHEREAS, Veterans of the Korean conflict have also become eligible to join the American Legion; and WHEREAS, Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the American Legion evolved from a group of war weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States; and WHEREAS, Membership grew swiftly to more than one million, and local posts sprang up across the country; and WHEREAS, Today, membership stands at over two million in more than

13,000 posts worldwide; the posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines; and WHEREAS, As early as June of 1919, a local Post was formed in the Village of Lowville, New York, by the late Claude Dekin and the late Ernest Wolfe with fifteen members; and WHEREAS, The Lowville American Legion Post No. 162 was officially chartered by Congress on July 25, 1919, as a patriotic veterans organization; its first commander was C. Ralph Boshart; and WHEREAS, Between 1920 and 1923, Post quarters were maintained in the Times block; as the membership enlarged monthly meetings and dinners were held in larger spaces including the Fire Hall, Strife House and Windsor Hotel; and WHEREAS, This method of meeting was continued until 1929, when the old G. A. R. rooms in the Town Hall, now the Town Hall Theater, were taken over; the Post occupied these rooms until 1937, during which time the top floor of the Black River National Bank building was leased; and WHEREAS, On March 1, 1945, the Lowville American Legion Post purchased and equipped their present home on Dayan Street; about this same time the Post's name was changed from Lowville Post No. 162 to Lowville Memorial Post No. 162; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth; and WHEREAS, Today, the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162 continues its dedication to fostering the traditions of patriotism, excellence, and commitment which have made our nation strong; it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the significance of their contributions and to note their worthy endeavors which have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162 on March 27, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162.