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Articles From 1977 – 1978

Nicholas Stefanizzi Jr. presented Fred Repole, on behalf of St. Stan’s Post a citation for his outstanding dedication and service to the American Legion and the County Band. The presentation was made after the playing of Hungarian Dance #5. Absent was Platt Smith who was to receive a citation. It will be presented to him on December 15th at the Floyd Bennett Post where the same concert will be played. Surprised with a citation was the conductor, Irwin Meyer. He said, “I was never more thrilled since I Was Bar Mitzvah’d.”

Only one-third of the seats were occupied. Those who came enjoyed the concert immensely. As the audience was leaving, they gave us in St. Stan’s Post the joy of favorable comments and hoping for more of the same in the future.

The American Legion County Band gave of themselves, their time. Many came directly from their place of business or from work. They receive no compensation, just the satisfaction of spreading and giving joy to anyone who comes to listen to them. This is a dedicated group of men and women. Through their music, bringing joy, happiness and a few hours of relaxation from our problems. They play in hospitals, homes, at Legion Posts and as a marching band, they play the march tempos for all parades held in Kings County by the American Legion. They will be here again in March, of next year, on Passion Sunday for our annual Memorial Mass, as a marching band.

Nicholas Stefanizzi, Jr. wishes to express his gratitude to the County Band and their conductor, Mr. Irwin Meyer for making December 1st a memorable evening in Greenpoint and particularly in St. Stan’s Post.


We Had A Ball

November 11, 1978 will be remembered for some time to come the first time the County Legion Ball was held in Prospect Hall, South Brooklyn. Incidentally, I might have a scoop. The building is considered a “landmark”.

Dedicated to the living Veterans of World War I, it was a sight to behold watching these young spry men, in their eighties, march smartly around the ballroom. Would you believe, not one out of step.

At ten o’clock the County Commander, as Post Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents were presented to the guests in the ballroom, by being marched around the ballroom to the playing of a march by the Kings County Band.

Dancing continued till app. 10:40 p.m. when a call to assemble at the rear of the hall included guests of Kings County American Legion.

Heading the parade was the County Commander, Nicholas Stefanizzi and his lovely wife, Mildred, followed by his Aides and the Color Guard from Kings County, in their smart dress blue and white uniforms. Then came the WWI veterans of which I told you about. Followed uniforms. Then came the WWI veterans of which I told you about. Followed by the County Commander’s Staff of Officers. Next in line were the Past County Commanders and Past County Chairladies of the County Auxiliary. Distinguished guests were led by our own Jack Harris, National Sgt.-At-Arms. The biggest thrill of the evening came. next. Mass Colors. Color Guards from Kings County Posts marching with their colors around the ballroom. I always got a chill running up my spine when I see the American Flags enmass being marched. There’s something about the Stars and Stripes that by just looking at them give you the history of our country.

As everyone stood still facing the stage, the lights dimmed and the bell sounded the hour of eleven. Read was the Seventh Hour Toast, followed by the playing of “Taps” in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. “My Buddy” was sung, a WWI ballad. Once again, I was taken in by the pageantry; I shall never get tired seeing this beautiful sight. Is it, in this day and age, out of line to be patriotic? Is it something to be ashamed of? Is it shameful to stop and put your arm over your heart when the American Flag is passing by? It deserves all the respect we give it. The Flag is you! Have respect for yourself.


December 1, 1978

FREE CONCERT AT ST. STAN’S POST

The Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band under the able direction of Irwin E. Meyer, will give a free concert at St. Stanislaus Memorial Post. 100 McGuinness Blvd. on Thursday evening. Dec. 1st at 8:15 P.M.

This wonderful organization will display their talents, in Greenpoint, as a concert band for the first time. For many decades the Kings County American Legion Band has been a source of pleasure and patriotic inspiration to audiences here and across the nation. It is truly “Brooklyn’s Own. ”

Their program promises to be very entertaining, by having something for everyone. You like opera? There’s the “Grand March from Aida. ” Ernesto Lecouna’ s never to be forgotten “Malaguena.” Highlights from “Camelot.” Closing the first part of the program watch the Band go “on strike” right before your very eyes.

The second segment starts with “Hungarian Dance #5.” A magnificent piece written by Johannes Brahms, which will live forever. For the younger set, the “Colonel Bogey March and as the season approaches, most Appropriately there’s the “Christmas March” written by one of our own great Bandmasters, Edwin Franko Goldman. And there’s more! The concert will end with the playing of that inspiring “Official West Point March!”

Remember, the, concert is free. There will be no charge and no collections will be taken up. Everyone is welcome from Greenpoint and the outlying communities. Come on down! And enjoy the evening!


Welcome Legionnaires!

By Albin Kowalski

For the first time in it’s history, The Kings County American Legion will hold their 60th Annual County Convention in St. Stanislaus Memorial Post 1771, here in Greenpoint.

The convention will be held this coming Friday, June 16th, coming to order at 8 p.m. As every year, prior to the “order of business”, a parade to the convention sight will be held. All Legionnaires will assemble on Kent Street, off Manhattan Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. Parade will start sharply at 7 p.m. The Legionnaires will march up Manhattan Ave. towards Nassau Ave. where they will turn left to McGuinness Blvd. to St. Stan’s Post headquarters, passing in review before guests and county dignitaries.

At this convention the new slate of executive officers will be elected. Vying for the Office of County Commander are Nick Stefanizzi Sr. of St. Stan’s Post and Chris Toppin of George Davis Post, for the Legion year 1978-79.

The American Legion has been the front line defense for the veterans of all wars. Fighting for the rights of the veterans with every conceivable weapon at their disposal, within the laws of the country.

The American Legion is an organization of U. S. war veterans, which was, founded March IS, 1919, in Paris, France by a committee who’s head was Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. On September 16, 1919 Congress granted this organization a national charter. The charter was amended in 1942 to admit WWII veterans and again in 1950 to include veterans of the Korean conflict. Once again updating it’s charter to include veterans Of the Viet Nam war. The American Legion is nonsectarian and nonpolitical. The only requirement is honorable service and an honorable discharge.

One of its major concerns has always been the care of disabled and sick veterans; it was instrumental in establishing hospitals and other services for veterans of all wars. In 1944 it played an important role in the enactment of the G. I. Bill of Rights for WWII veterans and later supporting similar legislation for Korean Vets. These measures afforded college and vocational training for more than five million veterans, including Viet Nam veterans. It has enabled more than five million veterans to purchase homes under the loan provisions of the act.

The Legion has helped to raise the standard of juvenile court procedures, child adoption, guardianship and the rights of children state and federal legislation. The Americanism and youth projects are enormous. Boys State, Boys Nation, American legion Baseball, which at this wring is being played on the diamonds of Prospect Park under the Chairmanship of Anthony Curcio for Kings County American Legion, who’s been doing the same bang-up job for thirty-one consecutive years. NOTE TO LEGIONAIRES: Tony needs assistance for supervisory control. Call Room 111, Boro Hall or seek him out at the convention). In baseball over 1,000,000 boys under seventeen play throughout the nation. Many of our Professional players had their start in Legion baseball. In Scouting, the Legion sponsors over 4,000 Boy Scout Troops. A continuing program to combat subversive influences is carried on nationally. Enrolled are over 17,000 local Posts. Kings County has close to a hundred.

The American Legion is asking ALL who live or have an establishment along the parade route, to display and “show your colors” once again.

Remember that date! It’s this coming Friday! June 16, 1978


Greenpoint Gazette 1978

Please Fly Your Flags

On Friday evening June 16th at 7 P.M., a historical event will take place in Greenpoint. Approximately 88 American Legion Posts will assemble on Manhattan Ave. & Kent St. for their 60th Annual Convention March. This parade has never before been staged in any part of Brooklyn, except the downtown area. We appeal to all people along the parade route to fly your flags. The parade will march down Manhattan Ave. to Nassau Ave. To McGuinness Blvd. Your colors and your viewing of the parade will be deeply appreciated. It is expected that the next Kings County American Legion Commander will be Nick Stefanizzi a native Greenpointer, and most deserving gentleman.


March 7, 1978 Greenpoint Gazette

Granddaughter Of
“Monitor” Builder To
Attend Public Ceremony

Mary Esther Rowland, granddaughter of Thomas F. Rowland, builder of Greenpoint’s famed “Monitor” ironclad, will be the Guest of Honor at a Plaque Rededication Ceremony to take’ place this coming Friday, March 10th at 12:00 noon on West & Calyer Streets.

In 1922 Ms. Rowland unveiled the original plaque upon the site of Continental Iron Works, constructors of the history-making ship designed by John Ericsson. Now, 56 years later, the 74-year-old Grande dame will once gain repeat that act in a formal rite which celebrates that fateful day of March 9, 1862 when the “Monitor” and her men clashed with the awesome “Merrimac” upon the bloodied waters of Hampton Roads, Va. The encounter was the most dramatic naval battle of the Civil War, and its impact and importance recognized throughout the world as one of the most stirring sea sagas of ail time.

Marlo Nastro, President of P. Chimento Trucking, which sits on the former grounds of Continental Works, said in an interview, “We take great pride in the knowledge that we occupy the site and waterfront facilities of the birthplace of that distinguished ship.” Mr. Nastro, a former Navy man who also served on another distinguished vessel, the aircraft carrier “Franklin,” added, “The placing of the plaque, the occasion, and the presence of Ms. Rowland strengthens that link we feel we have with a significant chapter in history. It’s an event no one should miss.”

Various Dignitaries to Attend Attending and participating in this public event will be various dignitaries and leaders from maritime, civic, military, business, political and cultural circles.