Speech for Dedication at the Visitor center

The Fifth, Department of New York American Legion Convention was held HERE in Alexandria Bay, NY in 1923.  Yes, the hotels of the guilded age made an excellent venue for the convention, but it reflects the significant impact veterans had in the North Country and the state of New York then.  Eva Lyman the mother of the Post 904 namesake John B. Lyman was the NATIONAL President of the Gold Star Mother’s of America and was a leading lobby voice for the cause, of sending widows and mothers to Europe after WWI to visit their husbands and sons graves.  Post 904 in those early days had “welfare officers” who would write letters to hospitals, doctors and elected leaders asking for help treating local veterans’ health needs.  These advocates would later become ‘service officers’ and today The American Legion accredits county service officers, like Dave Pavey, Tiffany Randall, Jason Murray, Michael Boprey and Michael Middaugh to file for benefits, advocate for medical treatment and assistance for veterans.  They promote BE THE ONE! and are an ear for veterans of all wars who are struggling.  They work full time (I would argue ALL THE TIME) SERVING veterans.  So, if a county service officer, calls looking for help for a veteran from an elected leader or government agency it is IMPORTANT to us.  It’s very important, Commissioner DeCohen.

At Department of NY American Legion Family College, students are told that “Veterans IMPROVE America. “ Veteran families lead their communities by modeling citizenship to a nation the sacrificed to protect.    At the founding of The American Legion in 1919, women and minorities were admitted as equal members in the organization.  Women veterans had the right to vote for National Commander of The American Legion BEFORE they had the right to vote for President of The United States.   Veterans an their families are patriotic people dedicated to securing the blessings of freedom for all.   A 1923 resolution at National Convention, expressed firm support of opportunity for all regardless as to race, religion, creed or class.  The state of NY and the North Country have many examples of leadership on- The American Legions positions of equality and opportunity for all.  The first female member of John B. Lyman American Legion Post 904, Army Nurse Corrine Gillick was also the oldest living WWI veteran of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties until her death at 105.    Comrade Gillick’s leadership continued here in many civic, volunteer and veteran outreaches for almost a century.   That tradition continues with the work veterans do here with Michael Walling at the Vets center.  OR leadership Lance with Clear Path for Veterans, shows Legion posts trying to reduce veteran suicide, by his participation at a recent VA SAVE training at Post 904.  When not for profits and families come to businesses, VSO’s and government agencies looking for help, to help veterans it is IMPORTANT to us.

Following WWII, a Syracuse newspaper wrote about Alexandria Bay, hiring returning military heroes in their businesses.  Past Post Commander John Langlois spent over a year in the hospital recovering from injuries he received that earned him a purple heart and Bronze Star as a young man.  John was one of many local heroes who were given a job by a community who recognized their responsibility to them.  Bruce Goodnough, Michael Casselman and George Birth veteran preference hiring is IMPORTANT to us and has been here for a very long time.

The American Legion uses programs in citizenship like Boys State, Oratorical and Boy Scouts to create opportunities for young people.  It is the duty of veterans to communicate to posterity the blessings of liberty.  Today, 104 years later local children still enjoy these blessings thanks to The American Legion Posts who still believe this is important. Troop 65B has served the community for 100 years, Post 904 added Troop 65G when girls were allowed into the BSA and saw its first Female Eagle Scout last month.  Advanced EMT and local HS Senior Katerina Probst was recognized by the VFW, as the NY State Eagle Scout of the year.   Kat an orator who finished at the highest levels of The American Legion oratorical competition for years, participated in Girls State to help her dream of becoming an Army Surgeon.  She is not the first young person to be involved in the Americanism programs of Post 904 whose experiences leads them to SERVE also either.  These things are IMPORTANT to us here in the North Country.  So, when Lee Hinkleman, the Legislative Chairman for The American Legion is lobbying hard to restore the NY state grant for Boys and Girls State, I would ask the Governor, Senate and Assembly to realize how IMPORTANT it is to the FUTURE of the state of New York. Please restore the Boys State grant.

I concur with Benjamin Pomerance’s selection of local veteran groups to draw eyes on the new Welcome Veterans Kiosk.  The cooperation of government, business, VSO’s and community focused on improving the lives of veterans and citizens is a strong message of inclusion.  It is the sincerest welcome to veterans looking to visit or relocate to New York.

Adjutant Dean Erck

John B. Lyman American Legion Post 904