The American Legion Gilroy Post #217 will be celebrating its 92nd anniversary at 5:30 p.m. June 1, 2013 with dinner and member recognitions at the Veterans Memorial Building in Gilroy.
The Gilroy Post is the oldest American Veterans organization in Gilroy and the American Legion nationwide also stands as the oldest and largest. Chartered in Gilroy on June 10, 1921, the original Legion building is still standing on the corner of Eigleberry and Fifth streets with the original plaque dated March 13, 1927 near the front door. Meetings were held there until the present building was built in 1951. It moved to the present location at 74 West Sixth St., where the post continues to meet on the first Thursday of the month with dinners/socials on the third Thursday of the month.
As one can imagine, there have been many commanders in the past 92 years including some of the early Gilroy movers and shakers. Those names are listed on the past commander’s board inside of the building. The entry breezeway also has plaques with the names of veterans from Gilroy who made the supreme sacrifice during the past wars along with veterans from early years.
The Gilroy post provides services to veterans through their service officer’s connections and contributes generously to the community. Members are recognized for their contributions to programs such as Boys State, Youth Environmental Conference. There are members who participated in Legion programs as teenage students.
Each year member representatives present certificates and medallions to deserving middle school graduating students at Brownell, South Valley, Solorsano and Saint Mary’s. Scholarships are awarded to Gavilan College students majoring in mathematics, science, business, nursing and cosmetology. There are plans in place to expand scholarships to cover other majors.
The Gilroy Post provides Color/Honor Guard presence at military funerals locally and in surrounding areas including the veteran’s cemetery in Gustine. Colors are presented at many city functions. These members can be found leading the Memorial Day Parade and at the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building. Their presence is often requested by local schools, Little League opening day ceremonies, The Walk for Life, Garlic Festival, Saint Louise Hospital and many other events.
This special anniversary dinner will be open to the public as well as all members. Tickets cost $10 per person and must be purchased before the date of the event.
Members of the public who want to help the Legion celebrate should make checks payable to “American Legion Post #217” and mail them to:
American Legion Post #217
74 W. Sixth Street
Gilroy
95020
For more information about the event, please contact:
Ray Sanchez, Adjutant
408-607-3280
ha*******@ch*****.net
