The sun marks Nov. 11 on the memorial sun dial in Thomas B. Reed Park.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Members of American Legion Post 469 are learning new ways to communicate on Zoom, but they are not abandoning their old traditions.
The Post, which is the only American Legion Post on Absecon Island, is working to publish its annual Longport Directory in May.
“Our Legion Post can’t meet at our usual place, so we’ve been coordinating to hold our May meeting on May 5 via ZOOM,” Commander Larry Pacentrill said. “We’ve already run a few practice sessions with a few members to work out the wrinkles before holding the meeting.”
The idea of having a ZOOM meeting was proposed by WWII veteran Herb Stern. His daughter-in-law, Lisa is helping the Legion prepare for the meeting.
American Legion Post 469 publishes the Longport Directory each year to raise funds for Legion programs.
The primary source of funding for Post activities comes from the Longport Directory, a phone book with the names, addresses and phone numbers of Longport residents. The Legion sells space in the directory for business and family ads, and for boosters. Ads cost $45 for a quarter page; $75 for a half page; and$135 for a full page. Boosters are only $10 and include one line of print in the booster section of the directory. Once printed, the directory is delivered to all households in Longport in early July.
In addition to supporting veterans and serving as a link between American troops and the community, American Legion Post 469 sponsors contests and events in the Downbeach area that support patriotism and the American way of life.
Each year, Post 469 awards more than $1,000 in prizes to students graduating from the Margate schools through its Character and Citizenship awards and an essay contest based on the U.S. Constitution.
The Legion also sponsors Longport’s Memorial Day parade and services, and various patriotic ceremonies throughout the year, including a 9-11 remembrance ceremony.
One of its most popular and rewarding programs is to bring a Wounded Warrior and their family to Longport in September for a weeklong, all-expenses-paid vacation. The program includes a welcoming parade through the Downbeach community, a barbeque, fishing trips, dinners at Atlantic City casinos and local restaurants, and a reception and awards ceremony at Caffe Luciano’s in Seaview Harbor.
Anyone who would like to support the American Legion or purchase a directory ad or booster by the deadline on May 20, may contact Larry Pacentrilli at Lapace@comcast.net or call 609-513-3578.
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