The William Merritt Hallock Post of the American Legion, Post #155, celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 27, appropriately coinciding with the 250th birthday of the United States’ independence.
The American Legion as a nationwide network began in 1919, when Army Lieutenant Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the president’s son, led its founding to bring soldiers together for fellowship and community service.
In May 1926, neighboring Legionnaires urged Lake Ronkonkoma Veterans to form their own group. They did so that year, naming the post in honor of a 24-year-old Lake Ronkonkoma native who died in combat in the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I.
The first Legionnaires of the area named Leroy Vollgraff as their first Post Commander and would gather at the historic Newton’s Garage on the corner of Ronkonkoma Avenue and Portion Road. All original members had served in the Army or the Navy alongside the Allies against Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
In November 1928, then-Commander Jack Millan and member Joe Kirk personally put down $1,400 – over $27,000 in value today – a six-acre lot on Church Street. The men then gave the land to the Post at no cost and took a second mortgage on the property for a proper clubhouse to be built.
Today, that’s where Post #155 stands and that’s where festivities were held last weekend.
Post Commander Fred Tartaglione began the ceremony by acknowledging those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice. An empty table with various symbolic elements stood at the left end of the dais as a reminder of those who could not attend.
“It proves that even though time passes in our case a hundred years, posts and the people in them still go on,” said Tartaglione. “We still remember who came before and we hope they will remember us when we’re gone and keep this post alive for another 100 years.”
Thomas Eichacker, grand-nephew of William Merritt Hallock, called the 100-year anniversary a “deeply emotional and profound honor” for his family.
“Though William never made it home to Lake Ronkonkoma, the veterans who returned in 1926 ensured his name would never be forgotten,” said Eichacker. “They built this post, chose him as its namesake, and created the sanctuary where generations of service members could find support, camaraderie, and healing.”
State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) said called the Post and others like a “very, very valuable service” to those who have served.
“Every time we drive by, every time we see it [the Post], it reminds us that it’s filled with amazing, incredible human beings who stepped up and said, ‘I will serve, I will sacrifice, and I love this great nation,’” said Murray.
Rosemarie Kluepfel, President of the Long Island Blue Star Mothers, said she first “fell in love” with the Veteran community because “they are the first ones to step up.” She noted that most of them have been Vietnam Veterans, who were “not treated that well when they came back.”
“It doesn’t take a lot to make a difference in somebody else’s life,” said of the services provided by Veterans organizations.
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) said that her father, a World War II Marine who earned a Purple Heart, “taught” her “what it is” to be a Veteran. County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) called the 100-year mark a “unique milestone,” adding that the nation would not have survived 250 years if not for the service of Veterans.
“You’re only going to see this [milestone] once,” Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) told The Messenger. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have the liberties we have today. What a better time to celebrate this and the nation’s 250th within a week from each other.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) contrasted the celebratory mood with a starker assessment of the nation’s moods.
“I am almost at a loss for words at times when I see the lack of reverence, respect, or knowledge as to how we’ve been here for 260 years,” said Panico. “I see people utilizing their democratic rights in a direction that is, in my view, counter to everything that our Veterans fought for. It’s just bewildering.”
The event was well-attended by community members. Paws of War and Pal-O-Mine Equestrian were on hand to inform on their various services for Veterans, and Hot Dog Hustler provided an array of creative takes on classic American barbecue.
