BINGO – Members of our post host a monthly BINGO game September through May at Building 134 at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center at 1:30 pm.  Each session lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.  After BINGO cookies are served to the residents. Cash prizes are awarded for each game and each game will have multiple winners. As the games progress the prizes increases.

 

Approximately 15 to 25 vets attend. They really look forward to our bingo sessions.  According to the Chief of Community Affairs, our Post is generous with the cash prizes. The veterans can then use their winnings to make purchases at the canteen. The veterans really show their appreciation to our post members and thank us for coming. Many of the veterans are in wheelchairs and have physical problems and BINGO gets them out of their rooms to have some fun.

 

When we go to the VA to conduct the bingo a good feeling is experienced by the veterans and our volunteers.  Our visit brings a smile to their faces and offers a little diversion. It is time well spent.  Contact Lee Jensen to volunteer.

 

GRAVE DECORATION - Grave Decoration coincides annually with Memorial Day.  The Thursday before Memorial Day (Friday, rain day) members from our posts (AL/VFW) place flags on our deceased veteran’s graves at 20 local cemeteries.  We also place flags on all veterans graves at Saint Paul and Saint John cemeteries that are wholly contained within Mount Prospect.  Honoring those who gave their last full measure of devotion is the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Contact Dana Betzner to volunteer.

 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY – The parade is held annually on Memorial Day.  The parade steps off at Emerson Street and Northwest Highway at exactly 9:40 am.  The parade route ends at Lions Park in Mount Prospect where the ceremony is held.  Wreaths and flowers are placed by veterans and other community organization members including youth organizations.  The Prospect Marching Knights and the Mount Prospect Community Band supply the music.  A 21 gun salute will be fired and Taps will be played.  This event is hosted by VFW Post 1337 with participation by American Legion Post 525.

 

POPPY DAY – Our annual fundraiser is held the 3rd Thursday in May.  Our members collect donations at different intersections and stores in the Mount Prospect area.  Contact Joe Schmidt to volunteer.

 

4TH OF JULY PARADE – The American Legion Post 525 and VFW Post 1337 lead the parade with the Colors and rifles marching from Mrs. P & Me to Melas Park.  Vehicles are available for those that cannot march.  The VFW and the American Legion also team with the Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Festival held at Melas Park to host a wine tent.  Contact Raymond Massey to volunteer.

 

VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES – Various activities are held to celebrate Veterans Day at the local schools.  Contact the American Legion Commander to volunteer.

 

END OF SCHOOL AWARDS – Awards are given at local schools to children who excel in Citizenship, Academics, and All School Medallion.  Contact the American Legion Commander to volunteer  presenting awards.

 

VFW PICNIC – The American Legion joined the VFW for a VFW sponsored picnic annually in August.