A balloon drop was a highlight of the centennial celebration held at Hellertown’s Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 on Saturday, March 23.
A special anniversary celebration was held at Hellertown’s Edward A. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 Saturday. Both the local post and the national organization are commemorating 100 years of service to veterans in 2019.
According to the American Legion website’s Mission page, “the American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.”
The Hellertown legion post was one of the first to be chartered in the area, and is named in honor of Edward A. Ackerman, who was the first local resident to die in service to the country in World War I.
Important organizations with the Hellertown American Legion are its auxiliary and the Legion Riders group.
Saturday’s free event included a centennial ceremony with remarks by Legion officers and local elected officials, historical displays, a performance by the Bethlehem American Legion Band, a balloon drop and party, a DJ, a buffet, a raffle and more.
For more information about the Hellertown American Legion and how to get involved, visit their website and like them on Facebook. Learn more about the American Legion at Legion.org.
All photos by Chris Christian
Hellertown Legion Commander Eric Medei
Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman
Lower Saucon Township Council President Priscilla deLeon
A military salute was held outside the Legion, which is a historic building located at 935 Main St., Hellertown.
A sheet cake specially decorated for the occasion featured the American Legion’s 100th anniversary logo.
Hellertown Legion Auxiliary President Connie Quier
Hellertown American Legion Chaplain Robert Edwards
Hellertown American Legion Post 397 Commander Eric Medei accepts a resolution passed in honor of the Legion’s 100th anniversary from Lower Saucon Township Council President Priscilla deLeon. At left is Lower Saucon Township councilwoman Sandra Yerger.
Hellertown American Legion Post 397 Commander Eric Medei accepts a resolution passed in honor of the Legion’s 100th anniversary from Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman.
