The American Legion is continuing to seek local veterans interested in joining a new Farmingdale American Legion Post. The community once had a post in Farmingdale several years ago but after membership started to diminish, the post was closed. According to Nassau County Commander John Marino, the American Legion decided to try to start a new post in Farmingdale after speaking to some local veterans who expressed an interest. He noted that the post will not be limited to residents of just Farmingdale, that it invites veterans of neighboring and distant communities to join as well. Marino said that the legion has received interest from residents in Farmingdale, Massapequa, Bellmore and Amityville and hopes to continue to receive more interest in a new post.

"What we're fighting for is to get young men and ladies to come in," he added. "We want to entice the young people to join so the American Legion can keep going. Anybody that's on active duty today can join."

One of the activities that the American Legion has recently been partaking in is the presentation of Blue Star flags, which are given to families who have a member serving in the United States Air Force. Marino recently presented a Blue Star flag to Audrey and Brian Crotty of Massapequa. Each star on the flag represents one of the Crotty's sons, both of whom served in the United States Air Force. Senior Airman Brendan Crotty served in Kuwait and Timothy Crotty is an Airman 2nd Class serving with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing.

The tradition of the Blue Star Flag started in WWII when families were presented with them when a member was serving in the Armed Forces. This symbol of pride was hung outside houses during wartime. The American Legion has brought this tradition back and will present a flag to eligible families. Any residents who are interested and have a son or daughter in service may contact the American Legion Post in their community.

A name for the Farmingdale post has not as of yet been determined. Marino noted that one will be selected when an adequate number of residents sign on. A meeting has been scheduled for May 28 at 8 p.m. at Farmingdale Village Hall on Main Street. Veterans interested in attending are asked to bring their DD2-14 or discharge. Anybody who is a veteran or knows a veteran who may be interested please call or have them call 694-9029 or 822-9355 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for more information.

The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans organization. Men and women who either have served the country in the past or are currently in active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces are welcome to join. Those eligible to join the Legion must have served during the following dates: World War II (Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1945); Korean War (June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955); Vietnam War (Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975); Lebanon and Grenada Action (Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984); Panama Action (Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990); Persian Gulf Action (Aug. 2, 1990 to present day).