Belleville American Legion Dedicates Monuments, Patio (PHOTOS)

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

With around 200 members, family, and supporters in attendance, American Legion Post 105 held a dedication ceremony for monuments acknowledging the contributions of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 and the Fraternal Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 366, as well as dedicating the Post 105 Patio in the name of Legionnaire John X. Bezzera.

Post Commander Joe Cobianchi started his prepared speech by quoting President Calvin Coolidge - “No person was ever honored for what he received …Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

Out in front of the Post on Washington Avenue, Post 105 Legionnaires, members of the Sons, and supporters and family from throughout the community came out to be there for the monument reveal. “I was truly amazed at how many people came out today”, remarked Squadron 105 Adjutant Rusty Myers. Memebr of the Belleville Historiacal Socierty, which dedicated the monuments, were there as well, as well as the Mayor and dignitaries from the American Legion Essex County and SAL Detachment of New Jersey, among which were Detachment Vice Commanders Greg Schaefer and Mark Natale, SALute Editor Gary Crawford, and Past Detachment Commander Carl Albern Jr.

“These two monuments were generously donated by the Belleville Historical Society and its president, Mike Perrone, to honor the work done by some of the organizations which operate out of American Legion Post 105”, as Commander Joe began to speak to the crowd about the two monuments, starting with the Purple Heart marked emblazoned with a huge depiction of the Purple Heart Medal. The Fraternal Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 366, an organization comprised exclusively of combat wounded veterans, voted to make Post 105 its permanent home in the fall of 2020. “We are proud to have these combat-wounded men and women, some of the bravest of the brave, here with us at our Post” continued the Commander. “This organization’s presence at Post 105 is one more step towards our goal of making this a center for veterans, a place where we as veterans can look out for and help each other.”

Commander Joe then moved to present the Sons of the American Legion monument, made with a large Bald Eagle perched above the inscription “SAL 105” with the emblem of the Sons. The Sons has been at 105 since 1962, being re-organized in 2015 into its current roster of over 80 Sons. Squadron 105 has had a rennisnace of sorts over the past few years, tripleing its membership and its contribution to Belleville and New Jersey. “The SAL is a program of the American Legion, one which is comprised of male descendants of veterans. Each and every one of these men is here to honor their fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who have served in the uniform of the United States – and the work they do to promote Americanism, in Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, and for Children and Youth is key to the success of the goal of the American Legion” remarked Cobianchi.

The two new monuments themselves were built and donated by the Belleville Historical Society and beautifully engraved by member and professional stone artist Val Hadshinow, as well as Society president Mike Perrone, himself a mason and general contractor

Following the events out front, the attendees gathered in the patio behind the Post to take part in another dedication, where the patio was named in honor of a Legionnaire who passed away in March 2020. “Though a member of Nutley Post 70, John “Johnny” Bezerra was a fixture of the 105 family, and his infectious smile, his glowing personality, and his exuberant laugh were a constant at the club”, spoke Commander Joe”. “He was someone who epitomized the American experience - he came from Brazil, went into the US Army, was send to Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star for Valor, and was wounded twice receiving the Purple Heart. He was a proud American and a proud veteran. Everyone who ever knew him would also agree - he was the kindest, most generous, and most giving man they had ever known.” In a very touching ceremony, SAL Commander Steve Sangemino along with Post Commander Cobianchi pulled down the curtain covering the new plaque in John’s memory.

The day concluded with a BBQ outside, catering for all of the attendees at the event. In concluding the prepared remarks of the day, Commander Joe stated “Post 105 is the special place it is today because of the people who are here now, the various organizations and patriots which call this place home, and because of the scores of people who have kept the American Legion going in Belleville since 1919.”

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