There is an organization in this country that looks after the needs of the men and women who have raised their hands and sworn an oath on their lives to defend what we all take for granted. That organization is the American Legion.
In Coral Gables, the American Legion is represented by Post 98. Post 98 has been in existence since 1937 in a building that was originally the city hall for Coral Gables. After that, it became the fire/police station for the city before being given to the American Legion. The Legion has used this Post to serve the Coral Gables and its residents as well as the community at large in many wonderful ways.
Over the years members of American Legion Post 98 in Coral Gables have spoken at schools about the flag and Americanism. It has awarded scholastic medals to boys and girls in elementary, junior and high schools, worked with local high school JROTC programs and celebrated the Police and Firemen of the Year of Coral Gables. The post has sponsored many youth leagues over the years and a few Boy Scout troops. On Memorial Day the post places more than 1,400 flags on the graves of the heroes from our community with the help of local JROTC and Young Marine units.
The post is an important part of the community and is used for many purposes. Miami-Dade County uses it for a voting location for two precincts. The Disabled American Veterans use it for their meetings. Homeland Security Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67 has a home here and it is used by other nonprofit organizations that work with the community.
All this is possible because of the hard work and donations that we receive from the community and our members. That said, there are items that reach beyond the means of the post and what we can do. There are repairs and remodeling needed to keep the building in good shape and to stay up with the times to attract the new generation of veterans from the wars post 9/11.
The most pressing issue is the roof over the store room and main offices of the post. The roofing company assessed the repair cost to be close to $25,000 dollars. This is beyond our means. We are reaching out to the community that we have served for so long to come to our rescue. With your help, the building and the American Legion Post will continue to be a part of the Coral Gables community for many years to come. All donations are 100 percent deductable on tax day. So we are asking for everyone to dig deep, be generous, and help save the post for future generations.
To donate to the post visit the website at www.alpost98fla.org or make your check out to American Legion Post 98 and mail it to P.O. Box 140224, Coral Gables Fl 33134. For questions call 305-400-8043.
