A veteran serving other veterans
By Laura Lane Mervosh
Webmaster's Note: The Post encourages woman veterans to join our Post. The following article is about one such woman veteran, Barbara Bryne. The article is dated but it gives insight to one of our women veterans. Barbara Byrne is an active member of the Post and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Merrick Unit 1282.
When Barbara Byrne turned 19 years old, she partook in the adventure of a lifetime. She enlisted in the Women's Army Corps. In 1961, the climate in the country was different than now. As the Berlin Wall was erected, many people were inspired by patriotic feelings and enlisted to serve their country in the military. Byrne was working for an insurance company at the time and thought military service would be exciting.
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The American Legion Emblem
"There shines the Emblem of The American Legion, it is your badge of distinction, honor and service. It stands for God and Country, and the hig
hest rights of man. Of its several parts, each has a meaning."
The Rays of the Sun form the background of our proud Emblem, and suggests that the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.
The Wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States, that liberty might endure.
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Yeoman Bill Hallern lives though Pearl Harbor
By Laura Schofer
Webmaster's Note: Dear Reader, the following article is from November of 2011, it is about our Post member and Pearl Harbor survivor, Irving William Halleran. Our friend Bill Halleran passed away on December 9, 2011. Bill's wife, Rosemary, is an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary Merrick Unit 1282 at the Post.
"They just kept coming."
That's how Bill Hallern of Merrick described the bombing of the U.S. Naval bast at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese fighter planes on the morning of December 7, 1941.
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Post 1282, devoted to service
By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
Webmaster's Note: Dear Reader, this article is dated, Vincent J. Gabrielle was our Post Commander from 2001 to 2005, however, the article gives insights into what this organization is about and the activities that we are involved in. Therefore, I have decided to include this article on our blog page.
American Legion Post 1282 lies in the center of Merrick's Road's bustling business district in Merrick, and amid the swirl of cars pulling into and out of the various shops, fast-food eateries and gas stations, one might overlook the post building.
It is a humble, but neatly-kept gray house that, like Post 1282's members, doesn't scream for attention, but enjoys a long, proud history.
Past Commander Bob Wieboldt said that, over the years, the post has played an enormous role in the lives of veterans, helping them to get back on their feet once home from war or military service. "We needed to have a place to meet for all veterans to discuss their problems and do good work for veterans and their families," he said.
Read more: Post 1282, devoted to Service