PARK RIDGE, N.J.—Congratulations to the new slate of officers of American Legion Post 153 “Ahead of the Curve” Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post, installed May 16.
The American Legion is a 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.
Post 153 is conducting a series of activities this year around the American Legion’s founding early in 1919 and the post’s charter on Sept. 29, 1919.
As part of those festivities, Post 153 is hosting the Park Ridge Elks #2234 for the annual Flag Day ceremony on Friday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at 118 Ridge Ave. (The organizations take turns hosting.)
All area boy and girl scouts are encouraged to participate—and the public is welcome to attend.
The officers inducted are:
Post 153
Joseph Collery, commander; John Lynch, 1st vice commander; Tom Madru, 2nd vice commander; Bob Kelly, finance officer; Gerald Lewis, sergeant-at-arms; Leigh Hopper, service officer; Dick Bozzone, historian and public relations; and trustees: Jim Barrett, Dick Bozzone, Walter Coyman, and Jim Donovan
Auxiliary Unit 153
Annie Whitney, president; Linda Mackey, vice president; Lorraine Westrich, treasurer; Barbara Musso, corresponding and recording secretary; Pat Donovan, chaplain; Dot Bozzone, historian and public relations; and Maureen Demes, sergeant-at-arms.
Sons of American Legion Squadron 153
Doug Carey, commander; Vinny Alfano, 1st vice commander; Brian McCabe, 2nd vice commander; Dennis Cosgrove, adjunct and finance officer; Art DiStasi, chaplain; and Larry McKenna, service officer.
Flag Day June 14
Flag Day is celebrated as the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official U.S. flag in 1777.
With that in mind, and as part of its centennial activities wrapping up this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Post 153 recently included fourth-graders from West Ridge Elementary School in honoring the flag—including a 10-foot by 6-foot “Old Glory” antique flag, which boasts 48 stars on its field.
Dick Bozzone, a past commander and chairman of the post’s Centennial Committee, told Pascack Press that as the 95-year-old flag was unfurled he explained its significance.
He said it served until 1958–59, when Alaska and Hawaii entered the union and that America’s armed forces fought under this flag during World Wars I and II and the Korean War—troops in the Vietnam war got the updated 50-star flag.
Bozzone said each student received a small American flag at the event and was encouraged to display it at home with pride on June 14 and every day.
Atrium gives thanks
Earlier in May, Atrium Senior Living sponsored a luncheon in honor of members of the post. Activities Director Cathy Ferrero invited all veterans residing in the Pascack Valley—as well as those residing at the Atrium—to join in celebrating 100 years.
Mayor Keith Misciagna attended and offered his congratulations along with those of Christina Candido, Atrium administrator.
Bozzone presented a history of the post, which began life as Pascack Valley Memorial Post 153. Fifty years later, in 1969, the post adopted its current name.
