Legion Post 662 Celebrates Anniversary

The American Legion formed in March of 1919 in Paris, France, and the organization was chartered by the United States Congress in September of that same year. On March 13, 1922, almost exactly three years after the Legion formed in France, the Conestoga Post 662 was established in eastern Lancaster County. Post 662, located at 35 S. Hoover Ave., New Holland, has become known for the annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage and for its generosity to local organizations.

When Post 662 was founded, the group met in the Harner Theatre, better known as The Ritz, on Main Street. Later, it moved to the Showalter Building on Main Street. A Legion Hall was built at 106 W. Main St., and it remained the home of the organization until 1952, when a capital campaign funded the present building.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the post hosted national commander Paul Dillard in March. Dillard's initiative in his role has focused on the loss of veterans to suicide. Dillard calls the effort No Veteran Left Behind. "No issue is more improtant than this: to save a life," Dillard has written. According to Jeff Miller, Post 662 historian, more than 100 people attended a reception held for Dillard at the post, and the gathering raised funds for No Veteran Left Behind.

A picnic celebration for all Post 662 members and their families, will be held on Saturday, July 30, beginning at 11 a.m., at the American Legion Conestoga Post 662 grounds. As part of the celebration, the Liberty War Bird, a restored Huey helicopter that was used in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970, will land at Case New Holland and be available to view from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another feature of the event will be the recognition of the descendants of Robert Wright, a World War I veteran who served in France and was the Post 662 Commander in 1922. "We are in contact with members of his family, and they will be present at the picnic," said Miller.

Post 662 commander Erin Magee also serves as District 10 commander, which encompasses Lancaster County. During a recent effort, Miller reported that members throughout the county were contacted concerning membership renewal with a 100% contact achieved. Concern for veterans is expressed regularly by bringing gifts to those who are homebound.

Miller noted that although many area residents are familiar with the American Legion post as a place to eat and drink, he wants the community to know that the post is much more. He pointed out the organization's regular efforts to support youth activities in eastern Lancaster County, including swim teams and softball teams. "We gave out nine scholarships of $5,000 each this year," said Miller. "The priority is local community and Pennsylvania (needs)," he noted.

More information about the post and its activities may be found at http://www.newhollandlegion662.org.