FOOD & DRINK

The American Legion was founded in Paris in March of 1919 by members of the American Expeditionary Force, a formation of the United States Army on the Western Front of World War I. Congress chartered The American Legion the following September. It is the world’s largest veteran’s organization with posts in many World War I Allied nations, advocating patriotism throughout the U.S. through community outreach programs. Membership in the American Legion is open to any veteran with an honorable discharge.

Post 80 is named after Alexander Bradley Burns, the first resident soldier of Downers Grove killed in action during World War I. Burns graduated in the class of 1916 from Downers Grove High School, (now DGN). He enlisted in the army soon after the start of the war. He was killed in action in March of 1918. greater Downers Grove and DuPage community, through a variety of relevant activities. One hundred years ago, Post 80 initiated the honor of decorating soldiers’ graves in area cemeteries for Memorial Day. The Memorial Day Parade also shifted into the hands of post volunteers that same year when veterans of the Civil War were aging out of the ability to march or organize it. Also in 1922, American Legion members planned the first official Independence Day parade through town, ending at the Maple Grove Forest Preserve. The annual village July 4th celebration, now a combined effort with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), is descendent of that first one organized by Post 80. A decade later in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, Legion members approached the Village to organize a centennial celebration for Downers Grove’s 100th year, to raise morale and keep spirits up during a trying time. All Downers Grove businesses and organizations were included and offered the opportunity to participate. The result, according to a local newspaper, was “an amazing day that lifted many spirits and created thousands of smiles.”

For decades, the American Legion has been a strong link between military awareness and the local community. Through an all-handson-deck efforts of post volunteers, and carefully orchestrated collaboration of the DG and Westmont Fire Departments, the Legion hosted the Vietnam Moving Wall in 2009. For three days, community members were offered the chance to peruse a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C., set up on the grounds. All funds to make this possible were raised and donated by the Legion. Volunteers built the stand for the 375-foot wall. Wannemakers Home and Garden Store donated the flowers for the event, making it all the more aesthetic, along with statues of a male and female soldier, which now adorn the fireplace in the post’s lounge. The Legion is also

A TABLE FOR THE POW, ALWAYS SET AND ALWAYS STANDING IN THE LOUNGE, TO COMMEMORATE THE POWS.

HONEY RAISED BY THE LEGION WHICH FUNDS LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS.

Continued from the previous page

very supportive of actor Gary Sinise’s Honor Flight, an organization that offers veterans a paid trip to visit Washington D.C. war memorials, guided by volunteers. A group of post members chatted with Sinise at a recent Honor Flight banquet at DuPage Airport.

The post is available for rent and has hosted many events, from school fundraisers to weddings. The banquet hall, equipped with a full kitchen and bar, can accommodate up to 250. There are also a gazebo and outdoor pavilion available for rent on the grounds. The post is situated on approximately ten and a half acres of natural prairie, which are maintained by Boy Scout Troop 80, the resident troop, along with a cast of volunteers. A 1976 U.S. Bicentennial project appointed a section of land dedicated to the creation of a Veteran’s Memorial Park, with a 30-foot obelisk directly south of the front entrance. Local veterans are memorialized in this area through a plaque affixed to the monument. There are also many trees dedicated to individual soldiers. The Legion is a member of the Monarch Watch Organization, a group which monitors the migration habits of the monarch butterfly. There is a

Monarch Way station, providing resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations, on the grounds. The Legion also raises honeybees. The sale of the honey harvested provides funding for agricultural scholarships at DGN and DGS high schools. Since the program started in 2009, over $38,000 has been contributed to this fund. The Legion also grants additional monetary school awards to all local middle and high schools.

All are welcome to play Bingo every Tuesday evening. Doors open at 4.00, with early games starting at 6.30. Stop by the American Legion for Family and Friends Night, held once a month. All community members are invited to play board games, pool or shuffleboard, sit by the fire in the lounge with a cocktail from the bar, or tour the museum of artifacts with Historian Dave Wisbrock. ■

RE/MAX Enterprises

Mary Braatz Broker (630) 258-7677 braatzm@gmail.com www.MaryBraatz.com

MaryBraatz.com Remax Enterprises

©2022 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. 22_304073

Drive in, drive out and get on with your day. It’s that easy.

Our convenient, new Drive-thru Lab and Vaccine Service is open in Downers Grove. Now, it’s easier than ever to get your lab tests and COVID-19 tests and vaccines completed. 4 Simple lab tests and vaccines by appointment*, including rapid strep tests, bloodwork and COVID-19 tests and vaccines 4 A three-lane, enclosed drive-thru that protects you from the weather while our team comes to your vehicle 4 Convenient online scheduling 24/7 for vaccines and most lab tests 4 Services for patients of all ages – newborns and up

*Physician orders are required for all lab tests.

To make an appointment or learn more, visit

EEHealth.org/drive-thru.

DRIVE-THRU SERVICES 2205 BUTTERFIELD ROAD DOWNERS GROVE Weekdays | 6:30 am – 6:30 pm Weekends | 6:30 am – 2:30 pm