2023 Recent Events
November 11th Veteran's Day Service & Montrose Vets Football Watch Party
The Perry Post held our annual Veteran's Day Service at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. As always it was well attended by post members and our local community. Commander Frank Letizia Jr. did a great job MC'ing the event. Afterwards we enjoyed a luncheon featuring extensive platters of sandwiches and lots of home baked goods for dessert.
We had the pleasure of having veterans from the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY join us for the luncheon and a subsequent football game watch party. We shared a lot of camaraderie and good fun with these special guests. And then when it was over we gave them all generous gift bags, recreational therapy supplies and plenty of drinks & snacks to use for their Sunday recreational activity. Our thanks to the staff of the FDR VA Hospital, including a special shout-out to Megan, who made this visit possible.
2023 Annual Turkey Shoot – 10/22 & 11/5/23
The Perry Post held our annual Turkey Shoot on Sunday’s 10/22 and 11/5, with the 10/29 date being rained out. The post has been holding the Turkey Shoot for forty or fifty years, and is very popular with the local and extended community. All profit raised via this event is used to support veterans at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY.
We especially want to thank Inserra Supermarkets for once again providing very generous support to our event. Please consider patronizing Inserra Supermarkets, including the ShopRite Northvale store, for your food shopping needs.
Jan 21st – Hobby / Recreational Therapy Supply Drive
Thank you EVERYONE who donated! Our January 21st drive was very successful, raising almost $1,900 worth of hobby and recreational therapy donations. Donations included paints, brushes, markers, art papers, adult coloring books and an outstanding number of much coveted plastic models. All of these donation items were given to the veterans in treatment at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY.
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2022 Recent Events
Veterans Gift Bags for the Holidays
On Monday December 19th Perry Post Legionnaires stuffed a large (and heavy!) collection of gift bags for veterans. These gift bags were donated to veterans at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY who are in PTSD treatment. As the below photo shows, each gift bag included a large selection of toiletry, clothing and entertainment items, plus monetary coupons to the hospital canteen.
Saturday Nov 12th – People and Pet Food Drive
The Perry Post held another people and pet food drive at the post. Thanks to the generosity
of our members and surrounding community, we raised food donations for the People to People
food pantry in Nanuet NY, and pet food and supplies for the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in
Pomona NY. Our heart-felt thanks to all who generously donated to this event.
Friday November 18th – Turkey Shoot Volunteer Thank You Dinner
We gathered for another fun social get-together. This one included a special
thank you to all the volunteers who made this year's Turkey Shoot a success.
Fri Nov 11th, 2022 Veterans Day Observance at Perry Post
We held our annual Veterans Day Service at the Perry Post. This special service recognized the
anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War 1. It also paid tribute to military
veterans from all wars, along with their families, for their sacrifices that continue to make possible
the liberty and freedom we have in this great country of ours.
- The service included the following:
- Remembrance of Post members that passed away over the past year
- A dignified disposal ceremony for flags retired from veteran's graves
- A tribute to Post World War II and Korean War members still with us
- A recognition of Post legionnaires that achieved significant Legion membership milestones
- A special recognition awards presented to select post members.
Sunday's October 23rd & 30th – Perry Post Annual Turkey Shoot
Our annual Turkey Shoot was once again held across the street from the John M. Perry Post on the
John O'Rourke Legion Field. Adults and children (old enough to hold a shotgun) were welcomed
to try their skill using 12 gauge shotguns to shoot paper targets. The winners choose from frozen
turkeys or Shoprite Gift Certificates. Money shoots were also held with the winner walking away with $50.
All profit from this event is dedicated to supporting veterans.
Our special thanks to the Inserra Family and Inserra Supermarkets for their generous support to the shoot!
This year's shoot was dedicated to the Memory of Harry Weber.
Harry was a long time member of the Perry Post and for many years helped lead the
execution of our annual turkey shoots. We miss you Harry, but you are definitely not forgotten.
Saturday October 15th - Perry Post Social Get-together
Post Legion Family members enjoyed hot food, cold beverages and warm camaraderie with fellow post members. Thank you to the volunteers who arrived early and / or stayed afterwards to help. All had fun at this Perry Post Legion Family event.
Sat Jun 25th – Perry Post Annual BBQ
We held our annual summer BBQ at the Perry Post from noon to 3pm. This event was open to all Perry Post Legionnaires, Auxiliary and their families. Wel enjoyed great camaraderie, terrific food and presented our Joe Rosen Scholarships to the winners. Many of our Legion Families joined us for this wonderful event. The BBQ was held in our beautiful backyard, under the comfortable shade of a tent. Everyone enjoyed the large selection of hot meats, cold salads, home baked desserts, ice cream and beverages ... all free to our membership. THANK YOU to all who attended and especially to those that helped set up and tear down.
Tue Jun 7th – Perry Post Exec Board & Membership Meetings / Election
John M. Perry Post 1044 Legionnaires held our annual election as part of our June Executive Board and Membership meetings. Congratulations to Commander Frank Letizia Jr. and the Perry Post Leadership Team, re-elected to serve our post for another year.
Mon Jun 6th – Rockland County American Legion Convention
Members of the John M. Perry Post 1044 of The American Legion participated in the Rockland County American Legion’s annual convention (June membership meeting). It took place at Leo Laders American Legion Post 130 in Thiells NY. Delegates from the Perry Post joined others from across Rockland County to elect our 2022-2023 Rockland County American Legion leadership team. Congratulations to Commander Don Joachim and his leadership team which will serve Rockland County for another year.
Mon Jun 6th – Tappan Zee High School Senior Award Ceremony
The John M. Perry Post 1044 of The American Legion participated in the Tappan Zee High School's Senior Class Award Show. The Class of 2022 was be celebrated, and countless awards were presented to the outstanding youth in this year's class. As the John M. Perry Post has done for many years, we presented two $1,000 scholarships to outstanding seniors who have family members that have served, or are presently serving, in the U.S. military.
Mon 5/30 – Memorial Day Ceremonies
Palisades Ceremony – 9am – War Monument at the intersection of Closter Road and Route 9W.
- Color Guard and other legion participants – we gathered at the post at 8am to ready our colors and other equipment, then car pooled over to Palisades. The event started promptly at 9am, and as always was well supported by an enthusiastic, patriotic gathering of Palisades residents.
Sparkill Parade – 11:30am – Our annual parade stepped off on time and enjoyed great weather this year. It is always a treat to our post to have the honor of marching with the First Responders and Auxiliary from the John Paulding Engine Company to music played by the Yonkers Military Band. This year was the 28th year the Yonkers Military Band has headlined our parade. And thanks to Kathy Ward-Buckley who was our guest speaker for this year. As always, Sparkill and the surrounding communities provided a great turnout for this event.
Sat 5/28 – Flags at Rockland Cemetery
Our Perry Post Legion Family will met at the post at 9am, shared some coffee and donuts, and then headed over to Rockland Cemetery to put flags on veteran’s gravesites. We divided up and walked the entire cemetery, inspecting the gravesites of veterans. We placed a new 12” x 18” Made in the US flag on the grave of any veteran’s grave that was missing or failed to display a flag in proper condition.
Sat May21st –Night at the Races fundraiser for National Cmdr candidate Jim Troiola
The evening of Saturday May 21st members of the Perry Post stepped up again to serve our local community. This time we participated in a Night at the Races fundraiser for Jim Troiola, THE leading candidate for the office of National Commander. Our members provided moral and financial support to Jim Troiola and his campaign treasurer Mike Byrnes. While only Past Post Commander Murry Cohen seemed to be the only one with the winning ponies, we all felt good about doing our part for a good cause.
Sat May 21st – Rockland Cemetery 175th Anniversary
Commander Frank Letizia, Jr. and the members of the John M. Perry Post participated in Rockland Cemetery’s 175th Anniversary observance. We were there representing the veteran community in Orangetown and all of Rockland County. This cemetery is incredibly well-kept, set in a unique, picturesque setting in Sparkill NY. Jim Dean, President of the Board of Directors for the cemetery, did an outstanding job serving as the Master of Ceremony. The other members of the cemetery Board of Directors, and the cemetery staff, planned out and executed a terrific event, which was further complicated by the unusual [for May] 94F heat and humidity. And our very own Commander Frank Letizia, Jr. led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, a wreath laying, and the rededication of the flagpole. The Rockland Cemetery flagpole was first sponsored by the Perry Post on May 30th, 1965 and is dedicated to those that have served. Members of the Perry Post, including our Color Guard, provided a dignified and distinguished presence at the ceremony. Providing a key role in this type of community event touches on many of the Legion Preamble’s clauses (100% Americanism, Memories & Incidents in All Wars, Devotion to Mutual Helpfulness, etcetera).
Sat May 14th – FDR VA Hospital Luncheon at the Perry Post - CANCELLED
The long Covid pandemic had forced a halt to group visits on-site at the Montrose VA campus as well as visits by the VA vets to our post. So, the members of the John M. Perry Post 1044 were excited when our request to hold a ward party / luncheon at the Perry Post was approved by the Hudson Valley VA. The Perry Post would be the first off-site location to host such an event after the loosening of Covid restrictions. We would be hosting ~20 veterans who are in a PTSD treatment program at the FDR VA hospital. Cmdr. Frank Letizia, Jr., Past Post Cmdr. Bruce Bogerd and others worked hard to plan out and prepare for the visit. Unfortunately, on Friday, less than 24hrs before the visit was schedule to start, we received the word that one of the veterans at the hospital had tested positive for Covid and therefore the visit had to be cancelled. We were very disappointed to have gotten that news, but vowed we would attempt it again once the Covid situation again reduces to a low level of activity.
Sat Apr 23rd - People and Pet Food Drive
Commander Frank Letizia, Jr. and the members of the John M. Perry Post once again ran a food drive to help the two and four legged members of our community that find themselves in need. This time our drive successfully raised $570 of people food for People to People food pantry in Nanuet, NY, and $204 of pet food, snacks and supplies for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, NY!
Sat Apr 9th – 80th Anniversary of the Death March of Bataan
On Saturday April 9th legionnaires from the John M. Perry Post provided a color guard and paraded in the symbolic march to pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. We joined soldiers from Fort Drum NY, veterans from Rockland County, reenactors, Philippine-American citizens and many other organizations. The event was hosted by the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation, and took place on Bataan Road and Dominican College’s campus in Orangeburg NY. This solemn event paid tribute to the ~10,000 American and Filipino soldiers that endured and died on the Death March of Bataan in April of 1942. Members of our post are honored to participate in events such as this, staying true to the Legion Preamble clause that reads “TO PRESERVE THE MEMORIES AND INCIDENTS OF OUR ASSOCIATIONS IN ALL WARS”.
Sat Apr 9th – Palisades Sparkill Baseball League - 2022 Season First Pitch
Immediately after the Bataan 80th Anniversary event, Commander Frank Letizia, Jr. and other members of the John M. Perry Post rushed back to our own John O’Rourke Legion Field to participate in a sacred right of spring. Commander Frank threw a well-placed strike as he tossed the ceremonial first pitch of the Palisades Sparkill Baseball Leagues 2022 season. I encourage everyone to attend one or more games at our Legion Field. It will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart to see the youth of our community and the dedicated parents who volunteer so much of their time to run this successful league. Kudos to Co-presidents Meg Zayac and Matt Bretgartner on their outstanding leadership of the league. PLAY BALL!!
Fri Apr 8th – National Commander’s Visitation to Southern New York
On Friday April 8th eight members of the John M. Perry Post Legion Family traveled by bus to Antun’s in Queens Village New York to attend the National Commander’s annual visitation to Southern New York. The highlight of this year’s dinner was the keynote speech by Texas native National Commander Paul E. Dillard.
Sat Mar 26th – Pocketbook Bingo Fundraiser for Jim Troiola
Jim Troiola is a Past Commander of New City Post 1682 as well as Rockland County and all of New York State. Jim is now the ‘leading candidate’ for the position of the American Legion’s National Commander. Jim will be elected to that position at the Legion’s National Convention in August. Being national commander requires extensive travel (as many as 330 days out of the year on the road) and a financial reserve to pay for it. Many of the American Legion Posts within Rockland County have directly contributed to Jim’s campaign. The Perry Post donated $2,500 last August to Jim and his campaign. Other posts have run fundraiser events for Jim. One of these was run by Leo Laders Post 130 Thiells on March 26th, gathering a large crowd of participants to play pocketbook bingo. Efforts included selling food and beverages to the participants. One of our Perry Post members volunteered for 4+ hours in the kitchen helping make the fundraiser a success.
Sat Mar 5th – Social Get-together / Luncheon at the Perry Post
On Saturday March 5th we held another one of our popular post social get-togethers / luncheons. These events are simple in their mechanics, but worth everything in terms of why we belong to the Perry Post. We once again gathered to set up and enjoy a casual luncheon. Free of charge to our members and their families, we gathered to strengthen our bonds of camaraderie, catch up on news, and increase our waistlines. As usual, the luncheon started with some delicious snacks & hors d'oeuvres, continued with a good selection of hot catered food, and finished with some tasty desserts. And of course, included soft and adult beverages. After the recent cold winter months, it was so good to gather with our Perry Post Legion family. And all of the participants brought new pairs of crew socks to be donated to the local VA hospitals as part of the RCAL’s Operation Toasty Toes.
Fri to Sun Feb 25th to 27th – Suburban Home Show at Rockland Community College
The John M. Perry Post continually works to be a proactive member and participant in the Rockland County level of the American Legion organization. Past members of our post have served as County Vice Commanders and County Commanders. But we also actively assist at Rockland County American Legion (RCAL) events. This was true once again at this year’s Suburban Home Show. The RCAL manned a table on the upper balcony of the fieldhouse where we welcomed visitors to the show, explained what the American Legion is and what we do, collected monetary donations and attempted to recruit new members. Our Perry Post volunteers not only spent hours helping to man the table, but also helped set up and take down the displays. All done in spirit with the last clause in our American Legion Preamble, “TO CONSECRATE AND SANCTIFY OUR COMRADESHIP BY OUR DEVOTION TO MUTUAL HELPFULNESS”.
Sat Feb 5th - People and Pet Food Drive at Perry Post
Raised $995 of food for People to People food pantry in Nanuet, NY, and
raised $908 of pet food, snacks and supplies for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, NY!
Past Success of Perry Post Drives
Thanks to the generousity of our Perry Post Legion Family and our Rockland County
community, our recent drives have successfully raised a substantial amount of donations.
See the following table for the details:
2021 Recent Events
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Luncheons for Veterans at FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY
Throughout 2021 the Perry Post continued to sponsor luncheons, almost every month, for veterans in PTSD treatment at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY. Due to the Covid restrictions we aren't allowed to visit in person, but through our lunch sponsorship we are still letting these veterans know how much we appreciate their sacrifice and that the Rockland Community has not forgotten them. For the December luncheon the Perry Post also donated gift bags to each of the veterans containing Perry Post water bottle, clothing, toiletries, playing cards, movie DVDs and other entertainment items.
Sat Dec 11th, 2021 Holiday Party at the Perry Post
Sat 11/13th, 2021 People and Pet Food Drive at Perry Post
Raised $1,450 of food for People to People food pantry in Nanuet, NY, and
Raised $270 of pet food, snacks and supplies for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, NY!
Thu Nov 11th, 2021 Veterans Day Observance at Perry Post
Sat Nov 6th, 2021 Department Cmdr's Rockland Cty Visitation Dinner - attended by Perry Post
Sun Oct 24th & 31st, 2021 Annual Turkey Shoot at the Perry Post
Raised almost $1,600 for veterans!
Sat Oct 9th, 2021 Perry Post Social Get-together
Sun Sep 26th, 2021 Eastern Star Spaghetti & Meatball Veteran's Fundraiser Dinner at Perry Post
Raised $1,000 financial & $5,800 of donated items for veterans!
Mon Sep 20th, 2021 Rockland County American Legion Meeting at Perry Post
Sat Sep 11th, 2021 Perry Post participated in the Orangetown 9/11 Anniversary Observance
Sat Jul 24th, 2021 Perry Post Social Get-together
Sat Jul 17th, 2021 People & Pet Food Drive
Sat Jun 19th, 2021 Perry Post Annual BBQ
Mon May 31st, 2021 Memorial Day Ceremonies in Palisades and Sparkill
Sat May 22nd, 2021 Food Drive (for People to People Food Pantry)
Sat Mar 27th, 2021 Pet Food & Supplies Drive (for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center)
Sat Feb 27th, 2021 Food Drive (for People to People Food Pantry)
Sat Jan 30th, 2021 Veteran's Hobby Supply Drive (for FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY)
2020 & Older Events
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Sat Dec 5th, 2020 Pet Food & Supplies Drive (for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center)
Luncheons for Veterans at FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY
2020 and 2021 have been challenging years for everyone, and it has challenged our American Legion Post to find ways we can still proactively support veterans in our community. In normal times we would host ward parties at our post and at the hospital, during which we would provide lunch and entertainment and camaraderie for veterans receiving treatment at the hospital. But the protective measures being taken at the hospital preclude those types of interactions.
But that hasn't prevented us from letting the veterans know that we are thinking of and care about them. Starting in May 2020 our post has been sponsoring a luncheon, typically once a month, so the veterans get to relax and enjoy some special food they don't normal receive. This ranges from simple pizza luncheons up to hot catered Italian meals. These veterans, who are in treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), have sacrificed so much for our country. The members of the Perry Post are thankful we are still able to support and boost the morale of these vets.
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Wednesday November 11th, 2020
Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony Service
We held a modified version of our annual Veterans Day Service, which despite the changes was very well attended by our community. To protect the health and safety of our members and guests we held the ceremony outdoors behind our post. The weather cooperated, with temperatures above 60 and the rain holding off until later in the day. We had at least ~40 participants including a good number of Perry Post Legionnaires and Auxiliary Members. The service recognized the 102nd anniversary of the signing of the armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany that ended World War 1. During the service we paid tribute to all military veterans from all wars, along with their families, for their sacrifices that continue to make possible the liberty and freedom we have in this great country of ours.
Our service also included a remembrance of those Perry Post members that passed away over the past year, a dignified disposal ceremony for flags being retired from the graves of veterans, a tribute to our Perry Post World War II members still with us, and a recognition of those legionnaires that have achieved significant milestones in their Legion membership. Please come join us for next year's service.
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Saturday November 7th, 2020
Food and New Clothing Drive
We held a combination food drive and new clothing drive to serve two urgent needs in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our members, other American Legion Posts in Rockland County and our local community, our drive was a great success.
We raised over $1,100 worth of non-perishable food which was then donated to the People to People Food Panty in Nanuet NY. Given all of the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the pantry has experienced a large surge in demand. Our food donation has helped address that need.
We also raised over $2,300 worth of new clothing which was donated to the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY. Protective measures in place at the hospital prevent donations of used items, so new clothing items are very much in demand. We brought them seven boxes and two large bags of new clothing, which included sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, hats and many other items.
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Saturday January 18th, 2020
Montrose VA Hospital Ward Party
Our post braved a bad weather forecast to hold our annual January (post-holiday season) luncheon with veterans being treated for PTSD at the hospital. Numerous members of our post packed up, brought over and served a luncheon for about 25 veterans. The luncheon included many platters of sandwiches, hot lasagna, salads, home baked desserts and soft drinks. We provided a professional magician as entertainment after the luncheon. And then when leaving each veteran received a gift bad with hand crocheted blankets, embroidered sweatshirts, crossword / wordfind books, snacks and many other items. We had a great time hosting the event and everyone enjoyed the good time and camaraderie. And despite some fairly heavy snow, everyone made it safely home.
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COVID-19 Cancellations - to protect everyone's health and safety, the pandemic controls brought many event cancellations to 2020. Thie cancellations included the Memorial Day Parade and Services, our June BBQ and numerous other events and social get-togethers. Let's hope things go better in 2021.
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Monday November 11th, 2019
Veterans Day Remembrance Service
We held our annual Veterans Day Service, which was very well attended by our community. We had at least 70 participants including a large number of Perry Post Legionnaires and Auxiliary Members. The service recognized the 101st anniversary of the signing of the armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany that ended World War 1. During the service we paid tribute to all military veterans from all wars, along with their families, for their sacrifices that continue to make possible the liberty and freedom we have in this great country of ours.
Our service also included a remembrance of those Perry Post members that passed away over the past year, a dignified disposal ceremony for flags being retired from the graves of veterans, a tribute to our Perry Post World War II members still with us, a recognition of those legionnaires that have achieved significant milestones in their Legion membership, and special recognition awards presented to select post members. Please come join us for next year's service.
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Sundays October 20th & November 3rd, 2019
Annual Turkey Shoot
We held our annual Turkey Shoot fundraiser on the ball field across Route 340 from the post. Despite rain forcing an early end to the Oct. 20th shoot and rain pushing our 2nd day to Nov. 3rd, our shoot still drew a good crowd. We raised over $3K which will be used for support to veterans being treated at the FDR VA Hospital in Montrose NY. We really enjoyed seeing so many members of the community turn out for this event, and especially enjoy seeing so many familiar faces, people who support this fundraiser year after year.
Thank you to all the members of the community that turned out for this event, to our event sponsors (see our Proud Sponsors page), and all the members of the John M. Perry Post 1044 American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary that worked so hard to make this event a success. Please come join us again next year!
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Saturday December 8th, 2018
Perry Post Holiday Dinner
The Perry Post gathered for a fun, enjoyable afternoon before the pace of the Holidays got too hectic. We had a good selection of appetizers, and a very broad selection of catered hot food followed by lots of cake and cookies. No one went hungry as our Legion Family took time out to relax together and strengthen our bonds of friendship. We all have worked very hard over the 2018 calendar year to fulfill our mission to supporting veterans and our local community. Every now and then it becomes necessary to take time out to just relax with each other.
The event was great, there was an abundance of food, and there were plenty of smiles and laughs to go around. Hopefully we'll have a chance to do it again next year, and if you didn't make it in 2018 come join us in 2019.
And I would be remiss if I didn't point out that once again the event was a success thanks to a huge amount of help from 1st Vice Commander Whitey Aamodt, his girlfriend Allison Allen, and Legion Auxiliary President Kathy Mart. All three of them worked tirelessly to help set up, keep things moving, and clean up afterwards. Many other members of the Perry Post Auxiliary were also a big help from beginning to end.
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John Marder Perry 100th Memorial Anniversary Service
Saturday July 28th, 2018
Location - Baseball field across from John M. Perry American Legion Post 1044, 691 Rt. 340, Sparkill NY
Purpose - Recognizing the 100th anniversary of John Marder Perry’s sacrifice
in defense of liberty during World War I
Please see our flyer for this special service.
Link to John M. Perry 100th Memorial Anniversary Service flyer
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Perry Post Annual BBQ
Saturday June 23rd, 2018
Update - we had great weather and an outstanding turn out for our annual post BBQ. Included in the event were scholarship presentations to our Joe Rosen Scholarship recipients. There was a large selection of food, including catered ribs and chicken from Bailey's Roadhouse in Blauvelt. Everyone did their part by bringing their appetites and eating their fair share. And congratulations to the door prize winners who went home with Legion T-shirts. Great job to all that worked so hard to make this event so successful!
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Scout Cookout / Flag Retirement Ceremony
Saturday June 16th, 2018
Update - we held a very successful event on the 16th. Had a very good turnout from our local scouting community and great support from our post's Legionnaires and Auxiliary. And the weather was spectacular as well. Thanks to all who helped set up, attend or otherwise help to make this event the success it was. Congratulations for event Chairman, and post Sergeant-at-Arms, Frank Letizia, Jr.!
See the Events Calendar for more info.
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Sunday February 11th, 2018
Perry Post Chili Cook-off
For those of you who couldn’t make it, the Perry Post held a fun chili cook-off on Sunday February 11th. An idea proposed by both 1st Vice Commander Whitey Aamodt and Buildings & Grounds Chair Al Kanze, this event allowed our Perry Post American Legion Family to gather for food, fun and friends. Whitey Aamodt did a great job chairing the event, complete with chili pepper tablecloths, and it wasn’t long before participants had morphed the Bud Light “dilly dilly” line into “chili chili”.
We had five contestants compete for best chili, with scoring based on criteria such as aroma, flavor, thickness, hotness and aftertaste. The scores were close but Frank Letizia, Sergeant-at-Arms for the Perry Post, walked away with the bragging rights and $50 prize money. Congratulations go to all the contestants who made excellent chili that warmed our mouths and filled our stomachs. The contestants were Whitey Aamodt, Al Kanze, Frank Letizia, Martha Scheutz and Kathy Mart.
We kicked off the event socializing over drinks while snacking on appetizers that included pretzels, chips, crab dip and cheese & crackers. In addition to crock pots of chili we then filled our plates with rice, mac-n-cheese, corn soufflé, salad, pickles, coleslaw and Italian bread. Even that wasn’t enough because we then topped it off with dessert that included homemade goodies such as lemon squares, brownies and cookies.
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Sunday February 4th, 2018
Four Chaplains Memorial Service
On Feb. 4th our Perry Post held a Four Chaplains Memorial Service at the Tappan Reformed Church. The Four Chaplains Service provides an important reminder of courage and selfless sacrifice. The Perry Post was proud to be asked by the Rockland County American Legion to conduct this memorial service, and to continue a legacy of reminding our country and our youth of the interfaith lesson the Four Chaplains taught us.
Several times over the recent years Pastor Hoover and the Tappan Reformed Church parishioners have opened their doors, warmly welcomed us, and graciously hosted this special service. Besides the Perry Post Legionnaires who attended the service there were several members who stepped up and participated in the service. Thanks goes to Whitey Amodt, Murry Cohen and Bill Leach who read biographies, Bart Foley who was both Chaplain and a reader, and Bob Seaman and his entire family for making arrangements with the church and then hosting the reception afterwards. Kylie Seaman, Bob’s daughter, sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. The service was well attended and many have expressed to the post their praise for how well it went.
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Saturday January 13th, 2018
Montrose VA Hospital Visit
Our Perry Post visited the Montrose Veterans Hospital on January 13th. We had the pleasure of spending several hours with 25 U.S. veterans who are being treated for PTSD. Our American Legion Post provided a luncheon that included sandwich platters, dessert and beverages. We provided a Magician who spent an hour amazing the vets with tricks they couldn’t figure out, and giving them lots of laughs and smiles. And then at the end we presented each of the veterans with two gift bags that included generous donations from our Legion Family and local Rockland County community.
These veterans have sacrificed so much for this great country of ours. I wish you could have been with us as we handed out those gift bags. It would have warmed your hearts to see the faces of these veterans light up as they looked in the bags and realized the love and care that others have shown by giving them the much needed donations.
In summary, 25 veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country, and are still struggling with the price they have paid, had their arms and stomachs filled, but most importantly had their day made by our visit and your generous donations. You and your students made it very clear that others care about them, have not forgotten them, and that we very much appreciate their sacrifice for this great country of ours!
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