Editor,

When most people think about veterans groups, they picture old soldiers sitting around telling each other war stories over a few drinks. This is the perception that, at one time, seemed to prevail. That has changed thanks to the largest veterans group, the American Legion and its auxiliary.

Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. The Boy Scouts of America was the first youth group recognized by the American Legion since its beginning in 1919. Our local post 141 works with the Boy Scouts on Flag Day, as the local BSA troops properly dispose of unusable and worn-out flags.

American Legion baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness. Half of major league baseball players are graduates of the program. About 82,000 youth play on Legion-sponsored teams each year, including our own Legion Baseball team coached by Tom Fallon.

On May 29, 1946, the American Legion, and its auxiliary, presented a small struggling organization called the American Heart Association with a $50,000 grant. The grant inaugurated a nationwide program for the study, prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease. The American Legion also wrote the GI Bill of Rights for veterans and practically created the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In our community we are excited to sponsor the high school juniors participating in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. This exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.

Post 141 is the home of the local VRC (Veterans Resource Center) — a fabulous group of volunteers who donate countless hours to assist veterans and their families, to obtain their rightfully deserved veterans benefits. Post 141 also has the American Legion Riders Group — motorcycle riding group organized to help further assist in promoting American Legion charities, especially the annual Legacy Run. It’s motorcycle ride which has a goal of raising $20 million to create college funds for children of veterans who died serving our nation.

To find out if you can help, call or visit the American Legion Post 141. Remember there is strength in numbers, and veterans groups do a lot more than most people perceive.

KEVIN MCDONALD

Greenbank