Fabrics of the Community
We recall seeing the beautiful stripes of red and white fluttering in the breeze on a summer day, a patch of blue displaying proud stars symbolizing this land, all beneath a beautiful blue canvas of sky.
All around, people stand in respect as the great American flag’s past, hands over hearts and hats removed; a reverent silence floating over the crowd. Proudly, a line of men and women step together, carrying high the banner of the nation, along with state flags, and banners representing organizations near and dear to this country’s heart.
Many times, these men and women carrying our flags in uniform belong to the American Legion; these veterans that have devoted themselves to serving not only America, but their communities.
So, who are the American Legion members, and why are they important for our communities in Wright County?
Thankfully, Buffalo American Legion Post #270 representatives are here to explain why.
The Legion organization
The small conference room of Legion Post #270 in Buffalo is filled with military memorabilia from across all branches of the military, including the Buffalo Legion’s building charter certificate. Hanging not far away is the creed of the American Legion, promising to uphold the Constitution of the United States; reflecting the spirit of patriotic service.
Across the table sits representatives of the Legion; members who have committed themselves to the service of the community, as well as the Legion’s place amidst its members. Bill Fairbanks, Commander: Connie Herzog, Adjutant and former Commanders Bob Larson and Scott Edwards are ready to relay information about the Legion, and its importance.
“The Legion truly is a part of the fabric of the community,” Edwards shared. “Most people don’t know a nailed-down definition of what the Legion is or what it stands for. We hope to change that, because to us, the community is important. We are community servants.”
The beginning of the Legion started in 1919, after the events of World War I began to conclude for soldiers across the country. With the focus being on service to veterans, servicemembers, and communities, it has become one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the U.S., all while making a difference in their communities, and continuing the call to serve.
Soon after Congress chartered the American Legion, local Legions began springing up around the country. Today, nearly two million members make up the Legion, with around 13,000 posts worldwide. Posts are organized into 55 departments; one each for the states, along with D.C., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Philippines.
The four “pillars” are the center point of the Legion family: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.
Fairbanks shared, “What makes the heart and spirit is men and women who want to make a difference, and continue to serve their community. That camaraderie feeling doesn’t just disappear when you leave the ranks – and, I think that’s a big part of why this organization exists today.”
Heart and Soul
“Legion members pour their heart and soul into the community,” Herzog stated. “It is a lot more than just patriotism, which is easy to determine at face value. But when you really get to know the Legion, you’d see it’s about service to veterans and their communities..”
A large number of Legions have club facilities that are open to the public, providing eateries, complete with a full-service bar includingevent halls and room to hosts parties, meetings, clubs, and fundraisers.
“Some Legions don’t even have a building,” Larson explained. “They’re just a club who rents out a room every month for a meeting, but they are no less important to their individual areas. They are a moving heart that works on behalf of the community – they are there to carry the flag, educate, fund, and raise awareness. They are there to help, when they are called upon.”
Many would think that Legions are closed to the public, but that isn’t the case. “Here in Buffalo, our restaurant is open to the public, complete with pull tabs, bar, and live music,” Edwards confirms.
But, where do the profits of the Legion go? Straightforwardly, the Legion representatives in Wright County will tell you that it goes right back into the community through scholarships, funding opportunities, grants, and donations.
Many sports organizations within respective districts receive donations from the Legion, for uniforms, equipment, and much more.
Funds from Legions across the County are dispersed between many different organizations, including categories such as school organizations, scholarships, veteran organizations, recognition of military service, government donations, and so much more.
“As an example, the Buffalo American Legion helped in the procurement of the high school [BHS] band trailer,” Fairbanks inserted. “We take pride in being able to help with those kinds of things.”
The Legion also sponsors scholarships to graduating high school students in the area. Each year, scholarships are given to local students based on a set of criteria, in varying amounts per student.
“When we gave out scholarships [this year],” Edwards began, “handing off that check was an eye-opening experience for the recipients, and their families. [The Legion] is really helping our future leaders of tomorrow get off on the right foot, as they move on to higher education and life.”
“That’s what we do,” Larson said. “It’s a continuation of service, where we can fulfill an oath we made to serve in the armed forces. That oath doesn’t disappear once you exit the military; it lives on. The Legion is a vessel in which they all can live.”
Membership
At one point, membership to the Legion fell into a series of criteria, which was required to meet qualifications. Legion members must have served during defined conflicts, or on and before certain dates. And, their families also had to meet criteria for anyone wanting to join the Auxiliary or other synonymous ranks.
However, that changed early this year. On July 30, 2019, President Donald Trump signed S.504, the “Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service” (LEGION) Act.
This was a significant legislative victory for the Legion, which declared that the U.S. has been in an active state of war since December 7, 1941, and pays tribute to those men and women who were killed or wounded during those previously undeclared periods of war.
This act also opens the door for approximately six million veterans to access the Legion, and allows for benefits, which they may have not had access to beforehand. It eliminates membership criteria to join the Legion, now allowing for any veteran to join, should they desire to do so.
“This is a huge victory,” Herzog explained. “I can’t begin to imagine how many people – how many hearts wanting to serve – have been denied to this organization because of criteria. Now, those walls are broken, and we can have a new outpouring of people join. That is a powerful act for us, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
“There are endless opportunities with this organization,” Fairbanks expressed. “You can still come and share stories and find that ‘club’ atmosphere. But, it’s much more than that – it’s camaraderie, making connections with the community, teaching patriotism, and being there when we are called upon.”
While there are many fabrics that exist within the community that are essential, the American Legion is perhaps one of the most dedicated and willing organizations in place that have a passion for people. At their heart is the movement to make a difference and uplift their fellow man. These men and women devoted their lives to ensuring America’s freedom through service in the armed forces, and that service continues, even as the years accumulate.
This year, the Legion celebrated its centennial anniversary. Even to this day, the Legion carries with it the same dedication to service upon which it was founded.
The Legions of Wright County are proud to serve their fellow men and women daily, even in the smallest of ways.
Working together, the Wright County Legion Posts make things happen for the betterment of all.
“We are truly appreciative for the support,” Edwards confirmed for the representatives of Legion Post #270. “From attending parades, participating in fundraisers, and even to keeping business in the Legion Clubs, we thank you.”
For more information on the American Legion in Buffalo, or with questions regarding the Legions in Wright County, please call 763-682-2262.