Comments on: Local American Legion Post Gets National Exposure

By: Joe Vaccaro

Joe Vaccaro — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:44:22 +0000

Ms. Hadden,
We thank your husband for his service to this Country and we thank you for your support.

Like most American Legion Posts, Post 56 is very family-oriented, and this is the reason why our Friday Night Dinners are so well received.

The thing that makes these American Legion Posts so unique is the fact that everyone who is a member at the Post has “earned” the right to be there. So veterans, their families, and their guests are most welcome at Post 56.
V/R
Joe Vaccaro
Assistant PAO, Post 56

By: Stefanie Hadden

Stefanie Hadden — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:16:54 +0000

My husband is a member of Post 56, being an ex-Navy submariner, and always says how warm and welcoming it feels there. He’s a chief engineer with Military Sealift Command now, and as such is frequently at sea, but the post in Cheriton is the one he calls home.

By: Joe Vaccaro

Joe Vaccaro — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 03:03:42 +0000

FOR THE RECORD:
Post 56 actually had two Grand Openings; one in November 2007 for local residents to come in and acquaint themselves with their new neighbors and one in May (6 months to the day of the November event) to officially open the Post.

General Mattis spoke at the May 2007 event

By: Joe Vaccaro

Joe Vaccaro — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:05:01 +0000

Mr. Powell,
Thank you for your information.
We actually have some photographs that were sent to us by Ms. Marion Naar from the Cape Charles Museum depicting the “old” Post 56 in Cape Charles.

It was located at the foot of “the hump” crossing over from Mason Avenue onto Old Cape Charles Road.

You can still see where the foundation was for the “old” Post 56 if you walk in that lot.

If you have any older photographs of that location we would be deeply interested in seeing them.

More important, if you have any stories or antidotes about the “old ” Post we would be grateful if you spoke to our Post Historian Denis Wood.

V/R

Joe Vaccaro

Assistant PAO, Post 56

By: Joe Vaccaro

Joe Vaccaro — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:43:41 +0000

Mr. Timm,
Thank you for the kind comments.
General Mattis showed up in “utilities” (AKA Battle Uniform for those who don’t “speak” Marine) at the speech as per the Post’s request.
He had another formal ceremony to attend to that night and we felt that he didn’t need to be “dressed up” for this event. We were just honored to have him at the Post with his extremely busy schedule.

The General spoke without the use of notes and captivated the crowd with his wisdom, common sense, and humor.

He took the time to talk to everyone, shake hands and pose for several dozen pictures with Post guests, an entire Boy Scout Troop and several police officers. Everyone he spoke to walked away from him in awe and another piece of history was made on the Shore.

The grand opening on that blustery May afternoon had an outside crowd, numbered well over 120 people, who never sought shelter or moved indoors during the General’s speech despite the fact that it was raining heavy throughout that afternoon; including during the General’s speech.

If you’re interested in joining American Legion Post 56 please contact the Post at 757-331-2123 for directions and additional information. Almost anyone there will be more than willing to help you.

Welcome aboard.

Semper Fidelis,

Joe Vaccaro

Assistant PAO, Post 56

By: Bill Powell

Bill Powell — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:49:19 +0000

In the 30’s and 40’s the Post hosted Troop 91 of Tidewater Council in the basement, which later became Troop 301 of the Delmarva Council. The Post building also served as a USO during WWII for the benefit of the Coast Artillery men at Ft John Custis.

By: Marshall Timm

Marshall Timm — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:38:19 +0000

Outstanding article about an outstanding Post and to top it off, General Mattis as guest speaker for the grand opening! Most people don’t know about General James “Mad Dog” Mattis so I will give you a short history lesson. General Mattis is one of the most decorated Marines in modern history, most outspoken and most loved by his troops since “Chesty” Puller (google him sometime).
So, sign me up, I want to join! Where do I sign the dotted line?
“Good night Chesty, where ever you are” and SemperFi, General Mattis!