Legion post to mark 100th anniversary

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Whitehall’s American Legion Post 83 will be celebrating its 100th charter anniversary on Saturday, April 9. The post has been working on planning events for the entire week leading up to the big birthday bash. Master of ceremonies Mike Rocque said the events are being planned by the sons, Auxiliary, and Riders.

“We have a fun week lined up for the community in honor of the charter’s 100th birthday,” he said.

To start the week off, the Sons of the American Legion will be hosting an all-you-can-eat hamburger and hot dog night on Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with tickets being able to be purchased for $5. Following a night of hamburgers and hot dogs, Wednesday at 4 p.m. there will be dessert with cupcakes and ice cream sponsored by the Post 83 Auxiliary.

“If there’s someone who wants to come for the events from the public and isn’t a member of the legion, they can be signed in as a guest if they are interested in attending,” he said.

As for Friday, the Chapter 83 Riders have organized a potluck dinner and DJ for the evening. Carrie Downs is the Auxiliary 1st Vice, wife of Commander Dennis Downs of Post 83, said that there have been many hands helping with making the event special for the post members.

“We have been making centerpieces and getting things set to decorate on Saturday. Many hands make light work,” she said. “Lisa Longtin, Blair Watson, Brian Davis, Dennis Downs, and myself. Along with several other members of the Branches of the Legion have been helping.”

Friday will serve as a pre-party with music, food, and community. County Fried Rock will be playing from 7 to 10 p.m. and there will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the legion family to help with all anniversary events. There is a sign-up sheet located inside the front door of the bar at the post for those looking to bring a dish. Danielle Jones is the secretary of the Riders and said the event will be from 6 to 11 p.m.

“It is a potluck meal, so we ask those attending to bring a dish to share. There will be a 50/50 raffle and another basket to raffle off. You must be a member of the American Legion Family to attend or a guest of a member,” she said.

There are also commemorative belongings such as challenge coins and koozies being sold in honor of the charter’s 100th anniversary. Coins start at $15 and koozies are $5 with discounted prices for Legion, sons, Auxiliary, and riders.

To wrap up a week of celebrations, all subunits of Post 83 will be putting together a dinner for Saturday. With plans of the Elks Lodge catering the dinner, Legion members and guests will be able to meet with different New York dignitaries such as fourth district commander Ed Burmaster and county Commander Kathrine Donnelly. Tickets for the dinner are $20 with a cocktail hour starting at 6 and dinner served at 7 p.m.

“We have invited many different dignitaries from the area to come and celebrate with us for our milestone and it should be a great night,” Rocque said.

Although the actual anniversary of the charter is April 20, the Legion will be honoring the charter’s start date beforehand. For more information regarding the events and how to become involved, the American Legion Post 83’s Facebook page will have updates about the events or call (518) 499-2482.