The Mayor of the City of Woodbury, Harold Patrick, and theCounty Executive of Cannon County, Mike Gannon, have jointly
declared September 16, 2012 as, The American Legion Day”.
As they presented the proclamation, both , praised the 93 year
old veterans service organization, the largest in the nation,
for its continuing work to aid wounded warriors and military
families,, for Legionnaires’ legacy of community volunteerism
and for the organization’s significant role in establishing
important national legislation.
The American Legion remains today an active and vigorous
advocate for service members, veterans and their families not
only on Capitol Hill, but right here in Woodbury and Cannon
County. The Mayor and County Executive both stated, “Among
it’s greatest legislative achievements was the enactment of
the..GI Bill of Rights. The initial draft of the GI Bill was
written by Legionnaires at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.
Many consider the GI Bill as one of the greatest pieces of
legislation ever enacted.
“Congress presented The American Legion its federal charter on
September 16, 1919; therefore, we think it only fitting that
we proclaim September 16, 2012, “The American Legion Day.” We
sincerely hope all citizens here in Woodbury and Cannon County
will join us in supporting this well -earned measure,
demonstrating our mutual esteem and reverence for this
outstanding organization.”
Bobby E. Ferrell, Commander, of The Hilton Stone American
Legion Post 279, expressed his gratitude for the
proclamation. “We are very grateful to Mayor Patrick and
County Executive Mike Gannon, the city council and the county
commissioners, for your fine efforts in establishing
September 16th as “The American Legion Day.”
With a current membership of 2.4 -million wartime veterans,
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of
a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and
youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their
communities through more than 14,00 Posts across the nation. In Tennessee
alone there are 189 American Legion Posts with over 30,000 legionnaires.
