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Memorial Day on May 31 is fast approaching and American Legion Coral Gables Post 98 once again is fulfilling its call to the duty of preserving the memories of those who fought in the nation’s previous wars and conflicts.
Every year, Post 98 honors those who have given so much to fight for freedom and the American Way by going to Miami Memorial Park and Flagler Memorial Park. Members of the post, veterans themselves, will place flags on the graves of veterans and honor them with a ceremony.
Area youth also will participate. South Miami High’s Junior ROTC and the Young Marines will take part in the solemn ritual.
This year, Post 98 is requesting financial assistance to purchase the flags. They have created a GoFundMe page to collect donations for the flags which will cost less than a dollar each, but six thousand are needed. The link for the page is:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/memorial-day-20212?utm_campaign=oc&utm_medium=email&utm_source=crowdrise
“With our resources alone we cannot place flags on all of them this time, so we are asking for help,” said Cliff Van Allen, post finance officer, when asked why the group is requesting assistance.
He explained that the flags are purchased in lots of 1,400 and will cost $5,000 including shipping to make sure that all veterans are honored.
For those who cannot contribute via the web, checks, made out to American Legion Post 98, may be sent to American Legion Post 98, PO Box 140224, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Any amount will help and be appreciated.
This Memorial Day, Post 98 will join in this tradition which is part of the life of all Legionnaires.
“The American Legion stands behind all of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom for this country,” Van Allen said.
The American Legion is the largest service organization dedicated to fighting for veterans’ rights at the national level. The Coral Gables Post, in particular, has a long history of advocacy for veterans in the area, and the building serves as a meeting place for veterans. The post members meet on the second Wednesday of every month for dinner and fellowship at 6 p.m. Veterans are welcome to attend and enjoy a festive night of camaraderie.
For information about American Legion Post 98 and its activities contact Commander Michael Pelton by email at cmdrmpelton@alpost98.org.
