Ridge
made application for Post of The American Legion in July 1950, signed
by temporary Post Commander, Harry O. Ewing with 16 members
listed. They held meetings in the Ridge Firehouse and the
Knights
of Columbus Hall. In May 1953, they broke ground to build the
post home, but it wasn’t until 1964 that the building was completed and
dedicated. During those years, many oyster scalds, turkey
shoots,
and chicken dinners were held to support the building fund.
The
Legion's main focus was to support the veterans, promote Americanism,
and community service. Ridge Post 255 has over 60 years of
working these legion programs.
Americanism
– Ridge Post, Unit, and Squadron work to keep
patriotism a
part of the education of every child. Our Memorial Day
Ceremony
has long been a community event. Both the Post and Unit
support
the Veterans Day Parade and Flag Day Ceremonies.
Community Service
– Ridge Post has long served the local community by forming the first
Rescue Squad in St. Mary’s County in 1953. Many teams have
used
the ball field over the years, including Little League, baseball,
softball, and Pig Skin Football and benefit ball games. The
Post,
Unit, and Squadron have long supported our local schools, churches, and
other organizations such as the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and
the Ridge
Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Veterans Affairs
& Rehabilitation
– Post, Unit, and Squadron support the veterans
hospitals and
the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The Post Service Officer is
always ready to help a veteran or his family in their time of need.
Ridge Post 255 is one of nearly
15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. The American Legion is always
there for you and your family. We're "Still Serving America!"
The
American Legion, America's largest veteran’s organization, was
chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, veterans
organization, and now numbers nearly 3 million members. They
rely
on membership strength to support their fight on Capitol Hill for
veteran’s benefits. National headquarters is in Indianapolis,
Indiana, with additional offices in Washington, DC.
If you are on active duty today, anywhere in the
world, or have served during any eligible war eras, you are
a veteran and you're eligible to become a Legionnaire! You will need a copy of your
DD-214 or active duty ID. If you do need a copy of you DD-214, you can
apply through eVetRecords.
If you are interested
in becoming a member, stop by The American Legion Ridge Post 255,
contact us at (301) 872-5349, or send us an email (legion255@verizon.net) and we will contact
you.