The July 18, 1925 edition of the Red Bank Register reported that the Freehold American Legion has donated a captured German cannon to the town. This donation was part of the National Defense Day celebration in Freehold. The cannon will be placed at the junction of Broadway and East Main Streets, now known as Elks Point. To see what the ultimate fate of this cannon was, go to August 18, 1942 on this timeline.

Members of Post 54 elected their officers for the coming year: Commander Thomas Mahar; senior vice commander, Lew Tannenbaum;  junior vice commander, Rensen Meyers; finance officer, Raymond Lykes; adjutant, William Cox; historian, Stacy Matthews; chaplain, Rev. C.P. Newton; senior officer, Edward Welsh; sergeant at arms, Raymond Thorne.

Documentation found at the post shows that nineteen members of Post 54 signed a mortgage note in the amount of $3,500 ($47,741 in 2017 dollars) with the Freehold Trust Company, making themselves personally liable for repayment. We owe a debt of gratitude to those 19 members who risked their own financial well being during the great depression to secure a post home. Those members were: Thomas W. Mahar, Stacy Matthews, Edward Welsh, Nicholas..

Maybe because November 11th was on a Sunday? The Monday, November 12, 1928 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that "Altho yesterday was officially Armistice Day, the ending of the World War 10 years ago will be celebrated today with this city and Red Bank as the centers of the county." In Freehold there was a service in memory of Corporal James A. Gere, the first Soldier from Freehold killed in the war. This..

At the Armistice Day (now Veteran's Day) parade in Freehold more than 70 uniformed American Legion Post 54 members marched through town. The post was awarded the Attendance Cup by the judges, Mayor Peter F. Runyon, Mrs. Rulif Lawrence, and former Mayor William S. Holmes. The November 12, 1930 Asbury Park Press article said that over 10,000 people lined the streets of Freehold to watch the parade. The article also stated that "A float that..

Ten livestock given away free each night, dancing, entertainment and free admission.

The great depression started in 1929 and, like the rest of the country, affected Freehold. According to an article in the Freehold Transcript, American Legion Post 54 came to the aid of the unemployed by feeding them every afternoon. The first day 40 hungry men were fed and an article published a month and a half later said that over 2000 meals had been served.  

The August 11, 1933 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that officers for the next year were elected and will be installed at the next regular meeting. The new officers elected were: Joseph Kennedy, post commander; Earl A. Smith, senior vice commander; William A. Cox, junior vice commander; Thomas Mahar, chaplain; Nicholas Torello and George Smock trustees.

As reported in the December 20, 1933 edition of the Asbury Park Press, American Legion Post 54 and the Columbian Club were the successful applicants for a club liquor license. This date was only a couple weeks after prohibition ended in the United States, on December 5, 1933.

The August 7, 1936 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that William Carter was elected as the new commander of Post 54. Other officers elected were Walter Oakes, senior vice commander; Edward M. Lews, junior vice commander; Raymond Lykes, finance officer; William Cox, assistant finance officer; Otto Deedmeyer, liason officer; Maurice Dobbins, sergeant-at-arms, and William Eldredge, judge advocate.

The November 9, 1936 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that Monmouth Post 54 conducted ceremonies to honor James Gere. Mr. Gere was the first Freehold resident killed in the world war and over 150 persons attended this event.

About 100 American Legion and auxiliary members were present to hear the New Jersey state chaplain compare communism to a worm boring into America. The Rev. Charles Halloran said that there were three hundred communisiic schools teaching 10,000 young Americans "to hate our flag, hate our government, hate God, hate the Bible and to despise the 10 commandments."

Source: The Asbury Park Press, March 20, 1937.

The July 2 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that approximately 75 persons attended the memorial services of Post 54. The service honored James Gere, the first Freehold resident killed in the world war.

The July 2, 1937 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that Walter Oakes was elected as the new commander of Post 54. Other officers elected were: Edward Lewis, senior vice commander; William Metcalf, junior vice commander; Raymond Lykes, finance officer; Rev. James Childs, chaplain; Joseph Hardiman, historian; James Merola, sergeant at arms; Andrew R. Santoto adjutant and liason officer; Lew Tannanbaum, trustee.

The November 1, 1937 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that American Legion Post 54 hosted a past commander's dinner at the post on Saturday, October 30. Harold H. Baynton assistant superintendent of the rug mill was toastmaster for the event.

Past commanders honored were: Dr. John C. Clayton, Dr. Harvey S. Brown, W.Bryan Patterson, Vincent J. Dugan, Edward Welsh, Harry M. Burke, Raymond Lykes, Thomas Mahar, Lew Tannenbaum, George Smock, Joseph Hardiman, Nicholas Porello,..

The November 3, 1937 issue of the Asbury Park Press reported that there would be a memorial service to honor Freehold deceased veterans. The service was held at the Pennsylvania railroad station's yard on West Main Street, at the James Gere memorial. Members of the post served as escorts to the parents of the deceased veterans. The article also said that Edward Lewis was in charge of an Armistice night dance at the post home.

From the August 20, 1938 issue of the Asbury Park Press: New officers were installed at Post 54 at an August 18 ceremony held at the post home. Edward Lewis was the new commander; William Metcalf, senior vice commander; Andrew R. Santoro, junior vice commander; Rev. James Childs, chaplain; William Cox, historian; Arthur Carter, laison officer; James Merola, sergeant at arms; Raymond T. Lykes, finance officer; William Cox, assistant finance officer.

Officers recently elected by the members of Post 54 include: William Metcalf- Commander, Andrew Santoro- Senior Vice Commander, George Kelsey- Junior Vice Commander, Rev. James Child- Chaplain, William Cox- Finance Officer, Stacy Matthews- Historian, Frank Wespender- Sergeant at Arms, Marcel M. Krater and William Cox- Trustees.

Source: The Asbury Park Press, July 25,1940.

Back in 1925 the Freehold American Legion donated an old German cannon from the first world war to the Town. The gun was placed at the junction of Broadway and East Main Streets (now known as Elks Point). The August 18, 1942 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that the Freehold defense council's salvage committe was given permission to add the cannon to the boro's scrap metal collection. Another article from the Red Bank Register..

American Legion Silver Star awards were made to the families of three Freehold men who were injured in the line of duty. The three men are, William Peter Cahill, Robert A. Peque, and Charles Benjamin Lufburrow. The citation is awarded "for devoted service to our country which resulted in wounds or disablement in the line of duty while a member of the armed forces of the United States."

The  Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) was a civilian service of the United States Army Ground Observer Corps instated during World War II to keep watch for enemy planes entering American airspace. For more information see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Warning_Service.

From the November 17, 1943 Asbury Park Press: Almost 100 members of the Freehold Aircraft Warning Service were awarded their wings at a dinner held at the American Hotel. Tribute was paid to the many men and women of Post..

As reported in the November 13, 1944 edition of the Asbury Park Press; Freehold honored its dead of two world wars at a November 12th ceremony in front of the court house. Gold and silver American Legion certificates were presented to the next of kin of men from this are killed or wounded in action. American Legion Post 54 sponsored the event and commander William J. Carney was one of the speakers. Legion officer, past..

The April 13, 1945 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that members of Troop 14 collected 15 tons of paper to be credited towards Freehold's quota in the war fund drive. The article also mentioned that the quantity of paper collected was sufficient enough to qualify the scouts for the General Eisenhower medal.

Freehold observed Memorial Day with a parade, services at the grave of Captain James W. Conover, Civil War hero, and the awarding of Gold Star citations to the next of kin of men lost in the European and Pacific conflicts. More than 1,000 persons packed the square in front of the courthouse for the latter service.

Source: Asbury Park Press May 31, 1945

A ritual team from Raritan post 23 initiated 52 new members into Post 54 at a December 7th ceremony. Post 54 commander Clarence A. Burke introduced the guest speaker, County Commander Ross Fountain, from Matawan.

Source: The Asbury Park Press, December 8, 1945.

An article in the April 26, 1946 Freehold Transcript reported that: "Monmouth Post, American Legion of Freehold received high praise for their work in serving more than 5,000 meals to destitute single men during the past three months, and a resolution offered by Councilman Harold Baynton, chairman of the relief committee of Council, thanking the Legion in the name of the Council and the community, was adopted."

The February 28, 1947 edition of "The Freehold Transcript" reported that 400 men and women attended a mortgage burning party at the post home the previous Friday, February 21, 1947. The Transcript reported that many people were prevented from attending the party because of "the snow storm."

The article said that the post home building was purchased from Mary Cashon on April 28, 1927. At the time, the post has $500 in its treasury, which was..

The October 3, 1947 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that nearly 200 people crowded into the American Legion home to attend the installtion of officers of Post 54. Jobe Ireland was reinstalled as commander and Miss Mary L. Graham was installed as auxiliary president. Other officers installed were: John Felton, senior vice commander; Angelo Paladino, junior vice commander; William Francis, adjutant; Raymond T. Lykes, finance officer; Arthur Patterson, chaplain; Joseph Early, historian; Arnold..

At a meeting in the American Legion home veterans and representatives of the local National Guard unit prepared plans for the upcoming Armistice day observance on November 11. The observance will start with a parade at 10:30 when a wreath will be placed at the James Gere monument. The article states that James Gere was the first Freehold youth killed in World War 2, that should say World War 1. The marchers will then go..

At an annual inspection of Post 54 American Legion Monmouth County Commander, Mortimer E. Van Sauter commended the Freehold post for its efficiency. Post 54 now has 563 members, the largest in the county.

Post 54 has started a glee club which will meet on Sunday aftrenoons.

The Department of New Jersey presented Post 54 with the Round-Up membership award. The certificate was awarded to the post "For enrolling a full 1949 membership by Round up Day January 22, 1949, and was signed by the Department Commander.

American Legion Monmouth County Adjutant, Leon Nolan, announced that Freehold Post 54 is now the fourth largest American Legion post in the state of New Jersey, at 739 members.

An article in the February 20, 1949 issue of the Asbury Park Press said that Post 54 would receive a gold seal to add to a previously received citation for bettering their four year membership average. The article also mentioned that 100 members attended the post meeting and that the post now has 748 members.

In an award from the American Legion National Commander, Perry Brown, Post 54 was recognized:

"For contributing to the advancement of The American Legion in 1949 through outstanding membership achievement, this national recognition is hereby accorded for service hereinafter set forth.

Monmouth Post No. 54, Dept. of New Jersey The American Legion, equaled or surpassed its 1948 membership for 1949 prior to the Thirtieth Anniversary of the birth of The American Legion, properly observed the birthday of the organization,..

The June 4, 1950 Asbury Park Press reported that local attorney Arnold Tanner was elected as the new commander of Post 54. Other officers elected were: Harold W. Hansen, senior vice commander; William Wood, jr., junior vice commander; Stephen Dombeck, chaplain; Ennis Estelle, finance officer; Albert Bennett, historian; Joseph Currie, sergeant at arms.

The November 12, 1952 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that a new park was dedicated in Freehold. American Legion Post 54 Commander Arnold Tanner served as the master of ceremonies at the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Park off Oak Street. Local businessman, Bertram Birch, spearheaded the drive to create the park. The ceremony began with a parade through the Freehold business section, followed by a flag raising on the new flag pole. In additon..

Post 54 has been presented with a national Americanism citation for "worthwhile and outstanding service to its community." The citation was given to Post 54 by the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. The award was presented to the post by County Commander Daniel Mancini.

Asbury Park Press, October 3, 1953. Newly installed officers were: Albert Bennett, commander; Ennis Estelle, senior vice commander; Adolph Domanski, junior vice commander, Lawrence Corey, historian; James Graham, adjutant; Frank Pitt, fincance officer; Raymond Lykes, service officer; William L. Eldridge, chaplain; Jack Allen, sergeant at arms.

Newly installed officers of Post 54 for 1959 are: Commander- Jack Allen, Senior Vice Commander- Vincent Cappelli, Junior Vice Commander- Ernie Layton, Service Officer- Raymond Lykes, Sergeant at Arms- Joseph Currie, Finance Oficer- Andy Paladino, Historian- Thomas Layton, Adjutant- Neafie Frank, Chaplain- Andy Santoro.

Source Article: The Freehold Transcript

The September 24 edition of The Freehold Transcript reported that the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary held a joint installation of officers on Friday, September 18, 1959.

The new Legion officers were: Commander- Vince Cappelli, Senior Vice Commander- Ernie Layton, Jr Vice Commander- Neafie Frank, Finance Officer-Steve Serafin, Chaplain- Ken Conover, Historian- Tommy Layton, Service Officer- Ray Lykes, Adjutant- Bud Hall, Sergeant at Arms- Joe Currie.

Senior Vice Commander William C. Becker had announced that Monmouth Post 54 has exceeded its previous year's membership for the 7th straight year. Vice Commander Becker said that this year's membership is 658, making Post 54 the largest post in the county and the ninth largest in the state. In other news, John T. Allen, building committee chairman, reported that preliminary plans for the 38 by 52 foot, two story addition to the post home..

An article in the September 24 issue of the Asbury Park Press reported that William C. Becker was installed as the new commander of Post 54. Other officers taking office were: Asbury Brown, senior vice commander; Donald F. Wood, junior vice commander; Henry F. Molloy, adjutant; William H. Riddle, finance officer, John M. Welsh, sergeant at arms; Andrew Santaro, chaplain; Leonard Bender, historian and service officer; Reese E. Gibson, county executive committee; Edward J. Welsh,..

Charles Dittmar and Andrew Santoro received silver life membership awards at the annual dinner dance held at Post 54. The October 29 Asbury Park Press article stated that the two joined seven other post members who had previously been given life memberships for service to the Legion and the community.

About 125 persons attended the dinner where outgoing commander Charles Mount and outgoing auxiliary president Stella Carter were also honored.

At a recent installation of officers ceremony conducted at Post 54, Asbury Brown was installed as the new commander. Other post officers installed were: Donald F. Wood, senior vice commander; John F. Boyle, junior vice commander; Henry F. Molloy, adjutant; John J. McGlory Jr., finance officer; John M. Welsh, sergeant at arms; Andrew Santoro, chaplain; Vincent J. Capelli, historian; Raymond T. Lykes, service officer.

The post continued to grow, with the post experiencing a surge in membership after the War. Young veterans joined the post bringing ideas of their own, Junior baseball, Little League, Babe Ruth and Ed Carlton Leagues, Boy Scouts, Boys State, safety essay contests, child welfare and adult recreation were some of the activities taking place.

The post was outgrowing its home so a building committee was appointed and plans were drawn to double the size..

The June 5, 1964 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that Donald Woods was elected as the new commander of American Legion Post 54. Other officers elected were: John Boyle, senior vice commander; John M. Welsh, junior vice commander; Leonard Smith, historian; Herbert Spitzer, sergeant at arms.

A mortgage burning party was held on this date to celebrate the end of the mortgate obtained in 1963 to finance the post addition. A roast beef supper for members was prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary. In attendance was state Senator Richard R. Stout and Freehold Mayor Frank E. Gibson. Pictured in the photo burning the mortgage papers are L to R: Ernest J. Oakes, Donald F. Wood, William Firth, and Robert Throckmorton.

The June 4,1965 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that John F. Boyle was elected as the new commander of Post 54. Other officers elected were: John M. Welsh, senior vice commander; Herbert v. Spitzner, junior vice commander; Thomas McKeown, sergeant at arms; W. Joseph Ambrose, finance officer; Leonard Bender, chaplain.

On December 20, 1976 the General Assembly of the state of New Jersey adopted a resolution that stated in part "...during this Bicentennial Year, a special salute be given to Monmouth Post No. 54 and its Auxiliary, Freehold, New Jersey, in acknowledgement of their achievements in helping to promote the American way of life..."

On March 3, 1988 the Sons of the American Legion, comprised of  male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of  The American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in Service,established a charter at Post 54.  Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service..

The June 30, 1989 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that American Legion Post 54 commander, John Felton, organized a rally to oppose the recent court ruling that supports protesters right to burn the American flag. The rally will also seek support for a constitutional amendment banning desecration of the flag.

The rally, scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m., will begin at the American Legion post and end about two blocks away at the Monmouth..

The Board of Chosen Freeholders of Monmouth County, N.J. proclamed March 15, 1994, the 75th anniversary of the American Legion and Post 54, as "American Legion Day." The proclamation was signed by Theodore J. Narozanick, Freeholder of Monmouth County.

On September 5, 1995, on behalf of the Borough of Freehold, Mayor Michael Wilson presented American Legion Post 54 with a resolution. This resolution was presented to Post 54 "...as a token of the appreciation of the people of the Borough of Freehold for the Services and Leadership that Monmouth Post 54 has given to the Borough of Freehold and to express our fond hope for the continued success of American Legion Post No. 54." 

If you come into our post home you'll notice a large autographed white flag on the back wall. If you've ever wondered about it, here's the rest of the story: At the January 8 regular meeting of American Legion Post 54, nine Marines from the 6th Motor Transport Batallion presented an autographed flag to the post. One of our members, Sgt. Antonio Martinez of the 6th Motor Transport Batallion, had recently returned from the batallion's..

Upon his return from deployment, Post 54 member Army Spc. William D. Madigan Jr., returned a post flag that he was given to keep with him during his eight month tour of duty in Afghanistan. The flag was presented to the post in a ceremony attended by a crowd of Freehold residents and Freehold's town council members Sharon Schutzer, Michael DiBenedetto, and Jaye Simms. This flag is now displayed on the wall inside the Post..

Major Sean R. Lambe, 514SFS/Commander and Post 54 member, presented Post 54 with an American Flag that had flown over the Headquarters of the Multi-National Corps- Iraq "in your honor during Operatoin Iraqi Freedom." The flag was given to thank the post for "Supporting Your Members & Community."

At the July 2 regular meeting, Captain Michael Panzera presented Post 54 with an American flag that had flown over the 50^th Infantry Brigade in Iraq on December 25, 2008. Captain Panzera also thanked the post for its support during his deployment there.