Belleville American Legion Turns 100: ‘Legacy And Vision’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of American Legion Post 105. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

American Legion Post 105, located on Washington Ave in Belleville, NJ celebrated its centennial on 10 November 2019, which fell on Veteran’s Day weekend. The theme for this 100-year celebration is “Legacy and Vision” - a celebration of past accomplishments and a renewal of the organization’s resolve to serve communities, states, and the nation for a second century. Post 105 was chartered on 9 September 1919, by 24 sons of Belleville who returned from the First World War, making it one of the older posts still active within the American Legion.

The American Legion, an organization made up of our country’s veterans, was established by officers and men of the American Expeditionary Force on 15 March 1919 in Paris, France, and was federally chartered on September 16, 1919, by the United States Congress. The Legion celebrated 2019 nationally as its Centennial Year.

In an event sponsored and coordinated by the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105, over 80 veterans, family members, members of the American Legion Family, and community supporters in attendance, the Legion Hall was packed. Flanked by historical memorabilia from Post 105’s past, including that original charter signed in 1919, Post Commander Richard Hult served as master-of-ceremonies.

“To preserve the memories and incidents of our nation’s associations in the great wars, The American Legion has stood as the conscience of a grateful nation,” Commander Hult read, “through honor and remembrance of all who gave their lives or were taken prisoner of war so others might live in freedom.”

Following a wreath-laying outside the post by officers of Post 105 commemorating 100-years of the American Legion in Belleville, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said a few heartfelt words commemorating the day. His father being a member of the Disabled American Veterans who has since passed, the mayor spoke very emotionally about the importance of organizations like the American Legion, and reiterated the commitment of the township in supporting her veterans. He then concluded with reading and presenting a proclamation from the town. A proclamation was also presented from Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., as was a resolution from the State of New Jersey.

Ending the event in a very fitting and touching manner, the Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps played a few patriotic songs, including God Bless America and Amazing Grace.

Attendees celebrated after the conclusion of the ceremony by food provided by out very generous Belleville eateries, as well as from restaurants throughout the area. It is with gratitude that we acknowledge these businesses as sponsors of the event, and supporters of our country’s veterans:

• The Nutley Diner: 372 Centre St, Nutley, NJ 07110
• Michael V’s Catering: 201 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109
• ShopRite of Belleville: 726 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109
• The Spanish Pavilion: 31 Harrison Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029
• Cuccina 355: 355 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110
• Zinicola Bakery: 127 King St, Nutley, NJ 07110
• Alberto's Restaurant & Pizzeria: 482 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109
• Nu-Way Concessionaires, Inc: 339-345 Bergen Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032

Members of Post 105 and the Sons of the American Legion 105 are eternally grateful for the outpouring of support we have received for this event. As an active party of the community, American Legion Post 105 looks forward to entering into its second century of “Serving God and Country.”

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SPEECH (delivered by Commander Rich Hult)

"The American Legion would be built on strengthening the nation – not serving themselves – through four primary pillars of volunteer work … Veterans rights, National Defense, Youth, and Americanism. Empowered by its federal charter, signed into law on Sept. 16, 1919, The American Legion organized an army of expert service officers to provide free health-care and benefits assistance to veterans and their families.

"Nationally, the American Legion has been an advocate for veteran’s rights by supporting the creation of the VA, helping veterans and their families during the depression, fighting for the establishment of the GI Bill, pushing for a uniform US Flag Code, and supporting veterans’ health issues.

"Large in number and staked to thousands of local communities worldwide, The American Legion Family – which came to include an American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion – is uniquely positioned to positively impact tens of millions of lives.

"One of those communities was Bellville, NJ. Twenty-four sons of Belleville returned from France and the war, and established Post 105 on September 9, 1919, making it one of the older posts in the country. Moving to this permanent home on Washington Ave in 1947, American Legion Post 105 has always been a visible and active part within the Belleville family.

"To preserve the memories and incidents of our nation’s associations in the great wars, The American Legion has stood as the conscience of a grateful nation, through honor and remembrance of all who gave their lives or were taken prisoner of war so others might live in freedom. And as new posts begin their journeys into The American Legion’s second century, they inspire a renewed vision that is equally timeless and built to serve generations of Americans yet to come."

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