PARK RIDGE, N.J.—The Park Ridge Public Library and Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Memorial Post 153 said their two-month exhibit featuring historic and military artifacts and photos related to the 100th anniversary of the American Legion and Post 153 was a hit with patrons.
The American Legion is composed of veterans, Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
According to Dick Bozzone, a past post commander and chairman of the post’s Centennial Committee, the post is conducting a series of activities this year around the American Legion’s founding early in 1919 and Post 153’s charter on Sept. 29, 1919.
The post began life as Pascack Valley Memorial Post 153. Fifty years later, in 1969, the post adopted its current name.
Bozzone said that in 1995 the library and Post 153 teamed up to observe the 50th anniversary of World War II. Now, with the centennial, a similar exhibit of World War I memorabilia was on display all March and April.
Thomas Madru, a vice commander of Post 153, along with Anne Whitney and Dorothy Bozzone, are fellow members of the Centennial Committee.
The American Legion is a U.S. war veterans organization headquartered in Indianapolis. It is made up of state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, which in turn are made up of local posts.
With 100 years on his mind—America’s losses in blood and treasure, but also its many gains—
Bozzone told Pascack Press he praises the library staff for their assistance in promoting “a once in a lifetime activity.”
On April 30, the post presented the library a certificate of appreciation for staffers’ efforts to help spread the word.
Reached for comment, Park Ridge Public Library Program Director Jackie Villano said the exhibit enjoyed a place of honor at the library’s entrance and that it drew close looks from students, families, and seniors.
— And yes, veterans.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our servicemen and -women and all of our veterans and we are grateful for all their sacrifices over the years,” Villano said.
She added that it’s part of the mission of the library to educate the community.
“We think our partnership with Post 153 on this exhibit certainly does that. And for the young people especially, this is something they need to know, because it’s their history. It’s Park Ridge’s history, and it belongs to them.”
For more information on local library events and offerings, see your Pascack Press library calendar, updated weekly.
Park Ridge Public Library is at 51 Park Ave. For more information, visit parkridge.bccls.org or call (201) 391-5151. Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Memorial Post 153 is at njalpost153.org.