SEASIDE HEIGHTS – For the third year in a row, members of Shore Boros American Legion Post 351 is doing something a bit unique to observe the birthday of America.
Amid the many barbecues and parades that are held on Independence Day weekend, this event, to be held at the Post at 2 p.m. on July 4, will be a more historic occasion bringing some meaning to the anniversary of the nation.
Long time American Legion Post 351 member Ian Worrell who originated the idea will join fellow members of the Post, in reading passages of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Gettysburg Address.
Worrell told The Toms River Times that, “Independence Day was an appropriate time to review the historic documents of the nation’s founding fathers. Prior observances have featured Service Officer Paul Lerin, who sang the National Anthem and provided some history about “Old Glory,” and Membership Chairman Mike Obssuth who presented an overview of the history of the American Legion.
“I feel it is important to remind people about the importance of the Fourth of July. Many people associate July 4th with barbeques, picnics, fireworks and fun and that is part of what it is meant to be, and the freedoms we enjoy and are bestowed upon us –if it weren’t for the courageous acts by people of the 18th century willing to put it all on the line, there would not be a United States of America,” Worrell said.
The borough-based Post located at 1400 Bay Boulevard (entrance on Carteret Ave), Seaside Heights is currently undergoing some renovations with the front of its building having recently been torn down due to extensive damage that occurred during Superstorm Sandy.
On July 13, members of the Post and their guests are invited to the 6th Annual Summer Bash from 4-8 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, corn, salads, draft beer and soda.
For information about the Post and its activities and programs, call 732-250-1366, e-mail post0351al@gmail.com or visit their website at legion.org Their Facebook page is The American Legion Post 351.
