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St. Regis Falls American Legion closer to memorial monument goal

Posted 7/29/17

ST. REGIS FALLS -- It has been the dream of members of the St. Regis Falls American Legion Post 322 to make at place to honor those who served our nation. But as they near the end of that dream, they …

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St. Regis Falls American Legion closer to memorial monument goal

Posted

ST. REGIS FALLS -- It has been the dream of members of the St. Regis Falls American Legion Post 322 to make at place to honor those who served our nation.

But as they near the end of that dream, they are still in need of some funds to purchase a monument stone.

A small post of about 50 members, they knew raising money in such a small town would be hard. Sometimes, they said, it seemed impossible and heartbreaking.

But small steps were made over the years through fund raising events and donations, and a park took shape.

A howitzer cannon was ordered and delivered on one of the coldest days of winter. With a tractor and frozen hands it was placed on a platform.

Next to come was a donation from Home Depot in Massena which, with its Volunteer Community Work Crew, cement pavers were leveled and laid. That day ended with the official laying of the first shipment of memorial bricks. These bricks are purchased by a friend or family member to honor the service member’s name, rank, date of service and sometimes who purchased it.

With every year the park has become a greater part of Post 322's ceremonies for the annual POW/MIA Day Ceremony and the Memorial Day Ceremony.

The post honors those who have served by offering them and the community a place to remember and to say a prayer with the flags that overlook the park.

After over five years the park’s completion is in sight.

But they have fallen short in raising funds for a monument.

With $5,000 raised by hard work and donations, they are still in need of $1,900 in order to put a large stone monument in the center of the park by this winter.

The post is asking those in surrounding communities by supporting this effort with donations to American Legion Post 322, PO Box 22, 19 North Main Street, St. Regis Falls, NY 12980.

More info: Lanny Gagnier (518) 856-0047 Vice Commander, American Legion Post 322.