Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304

p>As is customary among the Nassau County American Legion Family, a Stand Down was held for veterans just prior to Thanksgiving. The purpose is to provide food, clothing and information to struggling and homeless veterans on Long Island. This was held at the Freeport Armory and was supported by our American Legion Auxiliary Unit, the Columbiettes of St. Mary’s and various members of the Manhasset community. The veterans were provided with a hot Thanksgiving dinner at the Stand Down.

Thank you to everyone who made this event so successful. Several hundred veterans received assistance.

Pat O’Brien, President (far left), and Elizabeth Parrella, VP and Treasurer (far right),with 2 Junior members and friends who packed items for the Stand Down

Elizabeth Parrella, VP and Treasurer of Manhasset Unit 304, is joined at the Stand Down by 2 members of the Columbiettes from St. Mary’s Church

Our 2 Columbiettes at the Stand Down with members of different Auxiliaries within Nassau County

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary were joined by the American Legion and friends for an afternoon celebrating both Oktoberfest and the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. We all agreed we need to have this much fun more often!

Unit 304 is happy to announce that November 10, 2019 marks the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Our milestone celebration comes a few months after The American Legion celebrated its centennial in March.

The American Legion was founded after the end of World War I in Paris, France. In September of that year, the United States Congress chartered The American Legion. Several women’s organizations wanted to become the official affiliate of the Legion. Instead of associating with an existing organization, the Legion decided to create a new organization with the women most closely associated with the men of the Legion. The American Legion Auxiliary was founded at The American Legion’s second convention on Nov. 10, 1919.

Since their establishments a century ago, the goals of both organizations have been to help veterans and their families. Today, The American Legion has more than 2 million members. The ALA boasts more than 600,000 members who spend millions of volunteer hours serving our mission every year.

The American Legion Auxiliary has stood alongside The American Legion as advocates for veterans’ rights, including passage of the GI Bill, enhancing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, and ending homelessness among veterans.

The ALA’s 100th anniversary is a time not only to celebrate the achievements of the last
century, but also to look ahead to our next century.  A new generation of veterans, service members, and their families will depend on the American Legion Auxiliary.

It is our hope that our membership will increase as we continue the work that is so important for our Veterans, our Military and their families.

The following article appeared in the Manhasset Press.