Palatine American Legion honors vets with commemorative bricks

The American Legion Post 690 is offering to allow individuals to honor their relatives for their service in the military or family members with a commemorative brick engraved with their relative’s name and details of their service that will be placed in front of the American Legion as part of a perpetual display with their newly renovated cannon.

“My family has served this country in the military from the beginning of our great nation,” said Jim Brenner. “My father-in-law served in WW II in North Africa and Italy while my great, great grandfather as well as my two great grandfathers fought for Illinois during the Civil War. I even had an ancestor who fought for Maryland during the Revolutionary War. I am buying bricks to honor each of these patriots.”

“This is an opportunity for you to salute a veteran or family member by donating a custom engraved brick. You can also order a brick to honor relatives or friends who are not veterans,” said Paul Clausell, Commander of the American Legion Post 690. “These bricks will become a permanent foundation for Post 690's restored cannon.”

The ground level platform under the cannon will be made from individually contributed and engraved bricks. Each brick, 500 are planned, will be donated by individuals making a $110 contribution. Each brick donated will be engraved with the name of the contributor(s) or person(s) they wish to honor. Patriotic and service related icons may also be included.

On Veterans Day 2020, the American Legion Post 690's cannon was returned to its original position in front of the Legion after receiving a complete renovation. The vintage World War II artillery gun has been a part of Post 690's heritage since the early 1950's. To make the restored cannon a permanent part of Post 690, the Legion has decided to build a platform for the cannon.

The Legion plans to complete as well as dedicate the restored cannon and bricks on Memorial Day 2022. To become a part of this memorial, download, print and complete the order form from alpost690.us. The form and payment can then be mailed to the American Legion Post 690, 122 W. Palatine Rd., Palatine, IL, 60067 or dropped off on Tuesday through Sunday in the Post 690 Club Room.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

The Palatine Post holds its monthly general meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For further information on the American Legion, any of their sponsored events or for membership write to the American Legion, 122 West Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067, call them at 847-359-1606, email them at palatinepost690@gmail.com or visit alpost690.us.