By Mary O’KEEFE

Another iconic organization is celebrating 100 years of service to the Crescenta Valley.

World War I veterans formed American Legion Post 288 in 1924. At a luncheon on Saturday, friends of the Post shared memories and honored past, present and future veterans. Historian Mike Lawler shared the history of the Post and the Verdugo Hills Memorial Hall that now houses American Legion Post 288 at 4011 La Crescenta Ave.

Lawler spoke about the building and how the initial costs to build it were well over $5,000 but that was reduced to $3,000 because of the labor volunteers donated. The building housed the veterans who were dedicated to the community, including sponsoring Montrose Boy Scout Troop No. 1.

“Post 288, in its early days, presented many awards of merit to local students. Safety signs for local kids were erected by Post 288 members. Local Legion members were a driving force behind the Crescenta Valley Rose Parade float.

“Yes, La Crescenta had a float in the Rose Parade back in the ’20s,” Lawler wrote in his CVW column of April 27, 2023.

However, like most of the area, the fire of 1933 and flood of 1934 threatened the future of the Post. During the flood, the Legion’s Hall was a place for refugees and disaster workers but then it, too, was hit by the flood. Twelve people inside the Hall were killed.

Within a year Post 288 veterans picked up what was left of their damaged building and moved it to the location on which it stands today. It was then rededicated as the Verdugo Hills Memorial Hall.

Throughout its 100 years the veterans of Post 288 have supported their comrades in arms as well as their community with a special emphasis on youth. They donate food to local food banks, support organizations like the CV Instrumental Music Dept., Prom Plus and Fire House youth center and continues to support the Boy Scouts and Venture Crew Post 288.

The veterans continue to remind the community of the sacrifices military families have made during the ceremonies they hold that honor veterans and active service members on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and at other events. Veteran members of American Legion Post 288 also provide support to veterans with guidance through veteran affairs.

At the luncheon event on Saturday, the ceremony included a longstanding military tradition of cutting the celebratory cake with a ceremonial sword.

The first slice of cake went to the guest of honor, veteran and Legionnaire Art Napiwocki who served in the Seabees of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. He is the longest serving member of Post 288, joining in 1982.

The second slice of cake was presented to the oldest Legionnaire present, Bob Keiter, signifying the honor and respect accorded to experience and seniority. Keiter served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War era.  

The third piece then went to the youngest Legionnaire present, Alex Nazarian, a veteran of the U.S. Army who is currently attending Arizona State University on the GI Bill. He was born on July 5, 2002.

For those who would like to wish the American Legion Post 288 veterans a happy 100^th, join them at their centennial breakfast at the Hall on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free to attend, though donations are always welcome.