1st District Blog Data Updates

 I have added a link to food pantries in the 1st District Blog (Information Portal) that may be useful during times of need. Some members or their friends may need assistance buying food, and food pantries can be a helpful resource. You can find links to food pantries in our district via the Blog links. Access the lists by:

1. Open the 1st District Blog. www.aldist1.org
2. At the top tabs, click on Food Pantries.
3. On the next page, click on the city you wish to view.

I have also included a link to a comprehensive list of service organizations that our members can use for their daily activities. Many of these organizations offer discounts to veterans. Access the lists by:

1. Open the 1st District Blog. www.aldist1.org
2. At the top tabs, click on Service Organizations.

This information may be quite useful to many of our Post members.

Thank You,

Gary DeMars

Post 32 Blood Drive

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Vietnam Veteran Recognition

 

Post 32 Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony

American Legion Post 32 hosted a solemn ceremony on December 7, 2025, to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day, honoring the lives lost, and the courage displayed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The event, held at the Post 32 location, was conducted by Post Commander Russell Farrington and Post Adjutant Len Roman. They led the community in reflection and remembrance of one of the most pivotal days in American history. The heart of the ceremony was a moving tribute by the Post Honor Guard. They executed a precise and respectful rifle volley, a traditional salute to honor fallen comrades. Following the volley, a bugler played Taps, the haunting melody that signifies the end of the day and, symbolically, the final resting of a soldier. Post Commander Russ Farrington shared remarks on the importance of continuing to teach younger generations about the sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation" and the lasting impact of Pearl Harbor on the United States.

This annual commemoration is a vital part of American Legion Post 32's commitment to honoring our nation's history and veterans.

Post 426 Fundraiser

 

Deadline is Friday, December 5th, for Registration in the 2026 American Legion Oratorical Contest

American Legion 2026 Oratorical Contest

The Detroit District of the American Legion invites high school students to compete in the 2026 High School Oratorical National Speech Contest.  The invitation to enter was announced by 1^st District Americanism Chairperson Dan McCrary. High School local level winners receive $150 to $175, regional level (Detroit zone) winners receive $200 -$500, State level scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000, and the winner will compete at the National level, with scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $25,000.  The American Legion will pay the expenses of the state winner and the national contest winner.  The subject of the prepared oration of the contest must be about some phase of the Constitution of the United States, emphasizing the duties and obligations of a citizen to the U. S. government. The prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must be 8-10 minutes in length. A 3–5-minute extemporaneous speech on one of 4 preassigned amendment topics is also required. The winner of last year's Detroit area contest was Wisdom Love Walker, a home-schooled junior from Detroit. Wisdom's speech was titled "What Happens When the Cameras are Turned on and the 4th Amendment Off".  https://michiganlegion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/videos/Wisdom.mp4.

Local high school students (9th - 12th) in Wayne, Oakland, and McComb counties are invited to compete in this year's annual American Legion contest. Since 1938, the program has provided participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president Bill Clinton, presidential candidate Alan Keyes, television commentator Lou Dobbs, Vice President Mike Pence and Grosse Pointe attorney Ted Everingham. Recent Grosse Pointe state finalists include Sophie Hugh, Grosse Pointe South graduate; Maria Fields, Liggett Academy graduate; Ponette Rubio, Abigail Turnbull, Gabriella Scipione, and Detroit Catholic Central High School in Novi graduate, Andrew Kill. Andrew took part in the National Championships and was one of the final 15 contestants.

The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest and Scholarship Program registration deadline date is Friday, December 5^th, 2025.  Registration is online: https://michiganlegion.org/oratorical/. Your application will be rejected if it is later than that date. At the time of registration, there are NO speech requirements other than a possible title.   The first local level of competition does not begin until January of 2025.  The winners of the local competition at the regional level go to the State level contest held on March 28^th, 2026, at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing.  The top finalist of the state contest goes to the National held on May 15^th -17^th, 2026, at Hillsdale, Michigan, at Hillsdale College.  Notification Contest dates will be provided by email.
The following 2 hyperlinks provide resources and videos to help the students with the oratory content, rules, and topics of the contest:

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest/about-the-oratorical-contest

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest/oratorical-contest-resources   

If you have any questions, call Americanism Chairperson Dan McCrary on 313 492 7462.2

 

National GivingTuesday, this December 2nd - Post 32

American Legion Post 32 is promoting GivingTuesday on December 2nd for our Building Maintenance Fund. Feel free to be a part of this National program by helping your Post.  You may drop off cash or a check or even use your credit card.  GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Join the movement and give, whether it's some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. It's a simple idea: whether it's making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in. Find Out More Copyright © 2025 American Legion Post 32, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: American Legion Post 32 9318 Newburgh Rd Livonia, MI 48150-3429 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment

 

Fundraiser for the Unit 32 Auxiliary Emergency Fund

Come eat at Buddy's Pizza on November 18th and support the cause!  We all love Buddy's Pizza!! The Auxiliary Unit 32 is raising money for our Auxiliary Emergency Fund. The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides financial assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have endured a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis. Click on the link below for all the details!   https://www.groupraise.com/events/313823?utm_source=promotool&utm_medium=social   Find Out More Copyright © 2025 American Legion Post 32, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: American Legion Post 32 9318 Newburgh Rd Livonia, MI 48150-3429 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Veterans Pinning Ceremony

 

American Legion Leadership Training

 

MIssion BBQ Veterans Day Event

 

Post 303 Event

Fellow Legionnaires, We are meeting at the War Memorial at 6pm at the Art Gallery (East bldg) on 32 Lakeshore Drive (same as Jefferson) in Grosse Pointe Farms tomorrow evening, Tuesday, October 21st. We have an American Legion Service Officer, Angy Barkell, to provide information on VA benefits and updates. You will be able to get all your questions regarding VA benefits answered. We will hold our social from 6 pm to 6:30pm, followed by a one-hour Business Meeting and Pizza on the Post at 7:30pm. Come to our meeting and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow veterans and the ambiance of the War Memorial. Dan McCrary Post 303 Commander

Veterans Resource Fair - Wayne County

 

Post 32 Sons of the American Legion donation to Post member.

Gary DeMars, the Service Officer for Post 32, was actively engaged in assisting a fellow member who was facing financial difficulties. This member, struggling with a low income, found himself in urgent need of a new clothes dryer to manage his household chores more effectively. Recognizing the importance of this necessity, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron (SAL) at Post 32 rallied together and generously donated $500 to support the member in acquiring a new dryer. With this financial assistance, the member was able to purchase the dryer he needed, which brought relief and improved his quality of life. All turned out well, thanks to the SAL support.

Post 32 Chili Cook-off

 

Post 32 Trunk or Treat

 

Agent Orange 101

 

Westland Library Vet-to-Vet Cafe

 

Post 32 Trunk or Treat