The opportunity to celebrate the American Legion’s 100th anniversary brought 130 people to Morton Grove on March 16. The Saturday afternoon event included opening ceremonies, guest speakers, music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, plus dinner and a social hour.
“It’s an honor: 100 years is an amazing milestone,” said Morton Grove Village President Dan DiMaria. “One hundred years of day in and day out service to our veterans and to our charities, to communities, is really remarkable.”
Guest speaker Edward R. Czaja noted that the American Legion, “hasn’t changed, when you think about it, since its inception.”
“We’re still doing the same thing, except on a larger scale with more people involved,” Czaja said.
The Morton Grove American Legion Post 134 has existed for 85 years, with a current post membership of 1,287 paid members, said Kenneth J. Trumbull, the post spokesman.
During the opening ceremony, master of ceremonies Joseph Lampert, of Niles, presented framed artwork to DiMaria.
“We’re veterans supporting veterans,” said Roy Weber, guest speaker and senior vice commander of American Legion Department of Illinois. “We value the American traditions, the American family, the family values, children, Americans, the whole ball of wax.”
Among attendees was Corinne Strecker of Glenview, who acknowledged contributions by veterans.
“The sacrifice … they gave everything — their life, their future, their family, their friends, their opportunity to live,” she said. “They gave everything for us, so we could be free.”