After the end of World War I, a group of sixteen veterans in Oxford, NY, decided to start their own chapter of the American Legion, the Fort Hill American Legion Post No. 376. They were granted their charter on September 30, 1919, shortly after the national American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress on March 19, 1919. They named it Fort Hill after a nearby historic area in the Village of Oxford said to have been built by Native Americans of the Tuscarora Nation which was one of the oldest fortifications in the east. This was the start of Post 376, a long enduring patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
Memorial Day has become the most important day of recognition of our armed forces. It is a day we remember and reflect on many wars and our country's heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect country and our American way of life.
There are lots of computer sites currently posted online that discuss Memorial Day. Topics of discussion include general history of Memorial Day, traditions of the day, acknowledgments and recognition of important personalities, discussions about current active military, patriotism, and much more.
We should all take time to research the history of Memorial Day and better understand and appreciate the freedoms and opportunities of our American Way of Life.
This year Oxford American Legion Post 376 will conduct Honors at 4 sites:
At 7:45 AM the Honor Guard will begin the morning with a wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute at St. Joseph Cemetery on West State Street.
At 8:30 AM the Honor Guard will perform a salute honoring those who died at sea at the Main Street bridge. The American Legion Auxiliary president will place a wreath onto the Chenango River. A rifle salute follows.
At 9:00 AM the Honor Guard will be at the Riverview Cemetery to place a wreath and to salute the deceased.
At 10:00 AM the Honor Guard will go to the Warn-TenBroeck Cemetery on Rt 12 south of Oxford to place a wreath and to salute the deceased.
As always, the Sons of the American Legion are working at the fund-raising BBQ at the Post 376 parking lot on Rt 12. This SAL activity by the members, Tim, Tim and Team always started at 9:00 AM.
Enjoy and respect the Holiday however you choose. We must take time to remember the RED, WHITE and BLUE and those who gave their all for us.
OXFORD PARADE MEMORIES IN PICTURES
Oxford Post 376 unfortunately has not been able to bring back the Memorial Day Parade this year. Luckily, we can reminisce with photos of other years.
In one photo we see the Honor Guard paused on the old Oxford iron bridge over the Chenango River. The 2nd photo shows father and son members of Post 376. Steve Estelow, on the left, and his dad, Paul, on the right are taking part in preparing the American flag for Memorial Day activities.
A single photo can bring back many memories. What memories are important to you? These memories are important to you because.................?
You fill in some answers. Consider where and how you live and why you are so fortunate. There are many answers.
Remember those who gave all for this country.
Today, the Oxford American Legion Fort Hill Post #376 is part of the nation's largest veterans service organization. They are a member of the Chenango County American Legion, under the Department of New York. They are committed to mentoring and sponsorship of Oxford youth, community service in Oxford, upholding patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and the continuation of the care of veterans. Please peruse our website and learn about our Post, how we fufill the mission, and how you can join the Fort Hill American Legion Post 376 of Oxford, NY.
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvements in the legislation process. Legionnaires' sense of obligation to their community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands not behind politics, but the issues and people that institute progress by focusing on veterans rights and quality of life.
