Adams American Legion Celebrates 100 Years
iBerkshires.com reports the American Legion is celebrating its 100th year in 2019 and Adams Post 160 is honoring that history with a display at its former post home.
Led by post historian John Bordeau, the local branch has been collecting photographs and documents from its members and archives to feature in the main lobby at Town Hall. It's a perfect place for the exhibit as the Town Hall served the American Legion for several decades before moving to their current location on Forest Park Avenue.
The images on the wall depict images from World War I through today and include a photo of John F. Kennedy's 1959 visit to the Adams Legion and another of a gathering of more than 10,000 people for a World War II memorial service. They represent 100 years of service and sacrifice by local men and women from every branch of the military. The local Legion's Centennial Committee consists of members Dave Stoddard, Stan Gajda, Keith Lawson, Paul Hutchinson, and Conrad Sidway.
Committee head Bordeau, 76, served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964 and has been a Legion member for 21 years. He spoke about his service and what the project means to him.
The American Legion, like many other service and social organizations, has seen a steady decline in membership over the past few decades. The Legion has seen its nationwide numbers dwindle from over 3 million 25 years ago to under 2 million today. Post 160's numbers are in line with those nationally.
Adams Post 160 held its first official meeting as a chartered American Legion post on Sept. 5, 1919. It received at permanent charter on Sept. 3, 1920.
Bordeau said they might be planning some more events to mark the 1920 date.
For membership information, regarding Post 160 or any other American Legion visit their page on legion.org.
More From WNAW AM
