Honor Flight
I am a Merrick Post No. 1282, American Legion, member and I am involved in a program called "Honor Flight". The Honor Flight program transports World War II Veterans for free who have not seen their World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The visit to Washington D.C. is a one day trip which involves a flight out MacArthur Airport, a coach bus to and from the World War II Memorial, a boxed lunch, dinner at a restaurant and a flight back from Washington D.C. to MacArthur airport.
No commentsVeterans Monument has an inspired past
by Eileen Diver
Webmaster's Note: Dear Reader, the following article was written in 2009 and published in Merrick Life. The article is a dated, but I wanted to include it in our blog section because it gives you an insight into the Merrick's Veteran Memorial Park. In 2011, a 9-11 memorial was built at the Park to a mark the 10th Anniversary of 9-11 and pay tribute to the heroes who lost/risked their lives on that fateful day.
A green manicured 400-foot triangle of land on Merrick Avenue and Little Whaleneck Road has become a peaceful and meaningful addition to the landscape of our town.
The Veterans Memorial Park was the inspiration of veteran Walter Ellensohn, and with the dedication of this one man along with the American Legion Post 1282, the North Merrick Firefighters, organizations and officeholders, the site in 10 years has been embraced by the community. It is a place to honor those who served and are serving and where "their names liveth for evermore."
A veteran serving other veterans
By Laura Lane Mervosh
Webmaster's Note: The Post encourages woman veterans to join our Post. The following article is about one such woman veteran, Barbara Bryne. The article is dated but it gives insight to one of our women veterans. Barbara Byrne is an active member of the Post and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Merrick Unit 1282.
When Barbara Byrne turned 19 years old, she partook in the adventure of a lifetime. She enlisted in the Women's Army Corps. In 1961, the climate in the country was different than now. As the Berlin Wall was erected, many people were inspired by patriotic feelings and enlisted to serve their country in the military. Byrne was working for an insurance company at the time and thought military service would be exciting.
The American Legion Emblem
"There shines the Emblem of The American Legion, it is your badge of distinction, honor and service. It stands for God and Country, and the hig
hest rights of man. Of its several parts, each has a meaning."
The Rays of the Sun form the background of our proud Emblem, and suggests that the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.
The Wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States, that liberty might endure.