American Legion Helps Belleville, Nutley 6th Graders Celebrate

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

American Legion Post 105 and Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 105 were given a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community by donating the Post facilities in hosting 6th grade graduation parties for both Belleville and Nutley.

On Thursday June 3rd, the Post hosted a graduation party for the 6th graders of the Nutley School District’s Washington School. Weeks before, the 105 was contacted by the Washington School PTO asking about renting the facility for the party. Washington School is a K-6 school right over the border in Nutley, and this event is held annually by the PTO as the kids say goodbye to grade school on their way into 7th grade at John H. Walker Middle School. The Post immediately said they would love to have the grads come dance and party, and they also insisted on donating the use of the hall and the patio for the event. On the day of the party, the PTO had almost all 6th graders in attendance – almost 75 students.

“This is what we are supposed to be doing”, remarked Post Commander Joe Cobianchi. That sentiment was echoed by SAL Commander Steve Sangemino … “It’s all for the kids”.

“The 6th graders had an absolute blast at their graduation party”, posted the PTO on Facebook. “We were so happy to give them a little bit of normal. Tricky tray, games, dancing, music from the BEST DJ around Mike Chieffo, lots of food, and tons of laughter. Special thanks to The American Legion Post 105 in Belleville for being such gracious hosts and donation of your time and space to make this happen.”

Two weeks later, on the 25th of June, Belleville School Number 5’s 6th graders spent an afternoon celebrating their elementary school graduation at the Post as well. With the same setup and fantastic weather, the students spent an afternoon playing corn hole, eating, dancing, and having a good time. Getting together at a graduation celebration was terrifically important to kids who have made it through the past year during COVID, when events such as this couldn’t be held.

Members ran around getting ice, helping out, and making sure the parents from the school had everything they need. With the time and facility again being a donation, members of the Post and the SAL came outside and took a fun picture with the Belleville grads. Post members and 6th graders alike were nothing but smiles.

At the June meeting of the American Legion, Meghan and Abigail Myers, parent and daughter from Washington School, presented the Post with an engraved rock to place in the Post 105 garden in gratitude for the party.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires, and is open to all male sons and grandsons of eligible veterans.

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