American Legion Post 1451 celebrates 100 years with open house

The American Legion is 100 years old and Wheatfield American Legion Post 1451 is planning to celebrate noon–5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. 

The Wheatfield post was chartered on 1946.  The organization as a whole traces its roots to March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France during the aftermath of World War I.  The American Legion was federally chartered on Sept 16, 1919, and quickly became an influential force at the national, state, and local levels, dedicated to service to veterans, strong national defense, youth and patriotism.

A year after it was formed, The American Legion had chartered more than 5,400 local posts that continue to operate today.  Since then it has grown to more than 13,000 posts around the world, and more than 2.2 million wartime veteran members.  Throughout its first century, The American Legion built a legacy on such accomplishments as leading the way to create U.S. Flag Code, helping start the Veterans Administration, drafting and getting passed the Servicemans Readjustment Act of 1944 -- the GI Bill -- which transformed America in the second half of the 20th century, and helping veterans receive benefits for health care conditions based on their honorable service.  Today the American Legion has nearly 3,000 accredited service officers worldwide who assist veterans with their benefits claims and other concerns.

Wheatfield Post 1451 currently numbers about 360 members, plus about 110 members in the Sons of the American Legion, 40 members in the American Legion Riders, and 50 members in the American Legion Auxiliary. 

“The American Legion Family of Wheatfield is excited to share both the legacy and the vision of our organization,” Post 1451 Cmdr. Michael Nussbaum said. “We’ve done a lot of good and intend to keep doing it for a second century.

“I would like to see as many members attend and any other veterans attend if possible to come enjoy some time together. We are looking to have a veterans’ service officer here from Niagara County, WNY Heroes, the Vet Center and Veterans One-stop to have available resources for veterans and activities for veterans around Western New York.”