American Legion in Lyndonville stays busy, despite shrinking membership
Photo by Tom Rivers: Steve Goodrich, the commander of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville, leads the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022.
LYNDONVILLE – Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman Tanner American Legion Post, has a goal to let everyone know about the activities of the Post.
He recently announced an inaugural Post newsletter for May, which he plans to make a regular occurrence. The newsletter is electronic and anyone who is interested can receive one online by sending Goodrich their e-mail address at americanlegion1603@gmail.com.
Goodrich said they especially want to connect with veterans. Locally and nationally, Legion membership is quite literally dying out, he said. Younger veterans are not joining as they once did. He has been commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post since 2009. During his first year, they had 24 members who attended on Memorial Day. This year, only six or eight will be there.
“If membership does not change, I’m not sure if the Legion will survive,” Goodrich said. “So the newsletter is our way of building connections with our fellow veterans.”
Some of the highlights of 2022 were a Memorial Day ceremony, a veterans’ float in the July 4 parade, a flower booth at the town of Yates birthday event in August and a brunch in support of the Wreaths across American program in December.
Goodrich is anticipating a busy 2023 season, starting with placing flags at the grave of veterans at Lynhaven Cemetery and other local cemeteries. All volunteers will meet at the Civil War cannon at 4 p.m. on May 25.
The Post will participate in the traditional Memorial Day parade and program on May 29 at the library honoring heroes who have gone before. A ceremony at the library will follow the parade. Parade participants should gather at St. Joseph’s Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. The parade will start at 9 a.m. and participants will march to the library for the ceremony which follows. All participating groups are encouraged to bring a bouquet of flowers or potted plant to place at the memorial stone when prompted during the ceremony.
To date, the following groups are planning to participate in the parade – Lyndonville Joint Fire District, Lyndonville Central School District band and chorus, Lyndonville Lions and Lyndonville Boys/Girls Baseball League. Further information is available by calling Scott Goetze at (585) 765-3983 or e-mailing Goodrich at the above address.
On July 4, the Post will have the Veteran’s Trolley in the Lyndonville parade. Anyone wishing to ride on the trolley or help should contact Goodrich. The American Legion booth will be the first one at the bridge. They will have a 50/50 raffle, as well as some amazing patriotic themed art.
In August, the Post will provide flowers and vases to raise funds at the town of Yates street dance. The date has yet to be announced.
September will be the American Legion Labor Day Yard Sale.
Again this year, the Post will support Wreaths across America. December 16 is the date for this event. Last year, they provided brunch before the ceremony at the cemetery at the newly renovated Weber Café.
Goodrich urges all veterans to consider joining their local post. He said they provide needed services to the local community for veterans, donate funds to related charities and support the Boys State Program.
“We are looking for new members all the time, so please join and help make a difference in our community,” Goodrich said.
