Assembly Resolution No. 162

BY: M. of A. Blankenbush

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162 on
March 27, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Lowville Memorial American
Legion Post No. 162 to be celebrated with a Dinner on Wednesday, March
27, 2019, at the Lowville Elks Lodge, Lowville, New York; and

WHEREAS, A meeting was called by a few members of the Armed Forces
in St. Louis to make plans to organize a World War I Veterans'
Organization in the United States; this meeting in March of 1919, was
the start of the American Legion as it is known today; and

WHEREAS, During World War II the National Legion constitution was
amended giving the World War II veterans the right to join the American
Legion; as these veterans returned home the Legion membership increased
from 106 in 1943, to 500 in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Veterans of the Korean conflict have also become eligible
to join the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, Focusing on service to veterans, service members and
communities, the American Legion evolved from a group of war weary
veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit
groups in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Membership grew swiftly to more than one million, and local
posts sprang up across the country; and

WHEREAS, Today, membership stands at over two million in more than
13,000 posts worldwide; the posts are organized into 55 departments: one
each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, As early as June of 1919, a local Post was formed in the
Village of Lowville, New York, by the late Claude Dekin and the late
Ernest Wolfe with fifteen members; and

WHEREAS, The Lowville American Legion Post No. 162 was officially
chartered by Congress on July 25, 1919, as a patriotic veterans
organization; its first commander was C. Ralph Boshart; and

WHEREAS, Between 1920 and 1923, Post quarters were maintained in the
Times block; as the membership enlarged monthly meetings and dinners

were held in larger spaces including the Fire Hall, Strife House and
Windsor Hotel; and

WHEREAS, This method of meeting was continued until 1929, when the
old G. A. R. rooms in the Town Hall, now the Town Hall Theater, were
taken over; the Post occupied these rooms until 1937, during which time
the top floor of the Black River National Bank building was leased; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 1945, the Lowville American Legion Post
purchased and equipped their present home on Dayan Street; about this
same time the Post's name was changed from Lowville Post No. 162 to
Lowville Memorial Post No. 162; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Legion has influenced
considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for
veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth;
and

WHEREAS, Today, the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162
continues its dedication to fostering the traditions of patriotism,
excellence, and commitment which have made our nation strong; it is the
custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the significance of their
contributions and to note their worthy endeavors which have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Lowville Memorial American
Legion Post No. 162 on March 27, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Lowville Memorial American Legion Post No. 162.