For the millions of men and women who answer the call of uniformed service, the adjustment of returning to civilian life often produces changes in support networks and relationships. Communities play an instrumental role in helping veterans adjust to these changes and helping them feel valued. Here in the Marple Newtown community, Marple Memorial Post 805 of the American Legion, one of 14,000 posts worldwide, is an influential, effective and dependable advocate of veteran affairs.
The American Legion was chartered in 1919 by Congress as a veteran’s organization focused on service to veterans, active-duty service members and communities. Veterans of World War I originally formed the ranks of the Legion, but it quickly grew into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the U.S. and has more than 2.4 million members worldwide.
Award in Harrisburg, PA
With the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America,” all of the American Legion’s actions are to support four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children and Youth. Its mission is to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families,our military, and our communities through their devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Marple Memorial Post 805 of the American Legion is a place of support and a voice for all Veterans, whether they served as far back as World War II or are still on active duty. Members meet on the second Wednesday of each month to socialize and enjoy dinner together and plan their support of fellow veterans and community. “Being a member of the legion gives service members a chance to share experience unique to the military and continue support of fellow veterans, their community and country,” said Gerry Nail, the First Vice Commander.
Gerry joined the post seven years ago after driving his neighbor, a Korean War Vet and Post 805 member of 55 years, to a meeting. Gerry, himself an Army veteran, ended up joining too, and since then, he’s held several positions there, most recently Commander from 2021-2023. From making physical changes to the building to retaining and adding new members, his contributions to the post did not go unnoticed. In July, Gerry was given the Commander of the Year award at the Pennsylvania Department Convention in Harrisburg. “I enjoyed my time as Commander,” said Gerry. “Military service fosters a sense of camaraderie and trust between service members that continues even after their military service is complete. It has also been a great way to give back to the community.”
Running the Post is more than a one-person job and in addition to the Commander, there are 11 other officers. On August 9, Post 805 held its installation of new officers who fulfill specific roles and will work together for Post 805’s success. Lucille Madalion, the new Commander, will focus on increasing the Post’s outreach and support to veterans in Marple and all of Delaware County.
Serving the community is at the very heart of the American Legion’s core beliefs and Post 805 carries out its mission by not only helping vets transition to their communities but through its many community programs. Its members spend time at both the Newtown Square VA Clinic and the Coatesville VA Hospital. “One of the biggest benefits of vets helping each other is that we have an understanding of what the veteran is going through. Whether it is financial difficulties due to service-related injuries, or problems obtaining the benefits that veterans are entitled to, someone who has been through that has a level of personal experience and empathy that cannot be taught,” Gerry explained.
Programs such as scholarships, Boys State, Girls State, State Police Youth Week, Veteran trips and blood drives as well as local events like sponsoring the Marple Easter Egg Roll and Memorial Day Parade, make a difference for our veterans, veterans’ families and the local youth each year. Boys and Girls State are programs the Post is very proud to support. Boys and Girls State is one of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. Founded in 1935, Boys State was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State. The men and women of the American Legion who take the time to volunteer in promoting American Legion programs and activities are what allows it to make a difference locally, across the nation and around the world. “Serving others is who we are and what we do,” said Gerry.
The American Legion Post 805, with support of two Delaware County Marine Veteran Detachments, provides military funeral honors to those Delaware County veterans whose families request their support, to include the firing of three honor volleys at the veteran’s service. All eligible veterans, including military retirees, are entitled to military funeral honors with the playing of taps and the folding and presentation of the American flag.
Post 805 also provides a veteran service medallion with a US flag placed by the veteran’s headstone. Gerry expressed his concern that veterans’ families have their loved one’s military discharge paperwork; usually Department of Defense form 214 (DD214), indicating an honorable discharge. “This form allows for the military funeral service, funeral flag and several other benefits. For all benefits, this form is the veteran’s most important service document,” he explained. “The Post is glad to help veterans get their discharge paperwork if they do not have it.”
Members of Post 805 also take pride in participating in our local parades. “We are pleased to sponsor the Memorial Day parade every year to honor our fallen comrades,” said Demetrius Spiropoulos, Second Vice Commander. “It’s a great way to connect with the community.” Local veterans lead the parade along with the Broomall Fire Company, Police, EMS and Army vehicles as well as the Paxon Hollow Middle School and Marple Newtown High School Tiger Marching Bands, local boy and girl scout troops, Marple Civic Youth, and other local performers. There is always a closing ceremony led by the Commander held at Post 805 followed by a rifle ceremony and taps. For the first time this year, the Post provided 200 meals for township residents to sit and eat while recognizing Marple’s fallen soldiers. The veterans also participate in the Veterans Day Parade in Media as well as Marple Newtown’s Fourth of July Parade.
It was George Washington who said that “the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” “It’s so important to raise awareness of our military and to honor them for the sacrifices they made for our country,” said Gerry. For more information about Marple Memorial Post 805 of the American Legion, please visit www.LegionPost805.org.