Images provided by American Legion Gilroy Post # 217
Happy 100th to Gilroy Post # 217 . The Gilroy Post — the oldest American veterans organization in Gilroy — chartered on June 10 , 1921 . Nationally , the American Legion is the largest veterans service organization in the US — chartered and incorporated in 1919 by Congress . Their mission is :
“ To enhance the well-being of America ’ s veterans , their families , our military , and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness .”
The original Gilroy Legion building is still standing on the corner of Eigleberry and 5th Street , with the original plaque , dated March 13 , 1927 , near the front door . Meetings were held there until the present building , located at 74 W . 6th Street , was built in 1951 . The post continues to meet on the first Thursday of each month with dinners and socials on the third Thursday of the month .
Many prominent Gilroy residents have served as Post Commander in the 100 year history . Those names are listed on
American Legion Gilroy Post # 217 Celebrates Their 100th Anniversary
the past commanders board inside the building . In the breezeway gallery plaques bear the names of Gilroy veterans who have made the supreme sacrifice in past wars . The names of veterans from the earliest times of service are also displayed .
The Gilroy post provides services to veterans through their many programs , via the local service officer . The post also contributes generously to the community . Legion members are recognized for their contributions to programs such as Boys State — designed to prepare and support youth participation in community and governmental service , and the Youth Environmental Conference — teaching environmentaly conscientious youth to care for our national forests . Some members participated in these programs as teenage students .
Each year the Legion presents deserving middle school graduates at Brownell , South Valley , Solorsano and St . Mary School with certificates and medallions . They award scholarships to Gavilan College , Gilroy High and Christopher High School Students . To raise funds for scholarships , the Legion hosts various fundraisers , including the popular — and usually sold-out — Annual Anniversary dinner . The event recognizes veterans and leading Gilroy citizens who have generously contributed to the good of the community and the welfare of all veterans .
Post # 217 provides Color / Honor guard presence at military funerals locally and regionally , including the veteran ’ s cemetery in Gustine and the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside . The Guard leads the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades , and opens Veterans Day ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Building . The Guard regularly appears at Little League opening day , Relay for Life , Gilroy Garlic Festival , and St Louise Hospital ceremonies , as well as at many other city government and community events .
Veterans are encouraged to contact the American Legion for information and membership . Contact Adjutant Ray Sanchez : 408.607.3280 / raymond . sanchez2 @ verizon . net , or 1st Vice Commander Joe Loquiao : 408.465.6142 .
The CalVet hotline serves all veterans 24 / 7 via phone : 800.273.8255 or via text message to : 838255 . We sincerely thank all veterans for your service !
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