By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica American Legion Post No. 123 recently celebrated its 40th birthday with a dinner for 70.
Mark Hasson, post commander, introduced Wayne Parrish, commander of the California American Legion, who addressed those in attendance.
Parrish commended Post No. 123 for 40 years of dedicated service. One of the projects the Legion had sponsored were Christmas gift boxes sent to overseas ser-vicemen and women. Last year, 400 boxes were sent.
Bob Jacobs, chairman, is already soliciting donations for Christmas 2006. Other projects mentioned were Christmas cards provided to hospitalized veterans and scholarships for the children of service personnel who have been killed on duty.
Parrish commended the post for its close working relationship with the Santa Monica Elks in support of the Veterans Administration Hospital, with their semiannual book drives, clothing drives and barbecues.
Parrish said the American Legion accepted the offer of a legal foundation to provide pro bono services in the battle against the ACLU to retain the phrase “One Nation Under God” in the pledge of allegiance; “In God we Trust” on American currency; religious symbols in the military cemeteries; and to prevent desecration of the nation’s flag.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 13, 2006. Read the original PDF.