Resolution 150229

..Title Recognizing and honoring the Benjamin Franklin American Legion Post 405 for its dedication to Philadelphia and the United States with its mission of the American Legion. ..Body WHEREAS, The American Legion ("The Legion") was charted and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is dedicated to mentoring youth, advocating patriotism and honor, and promoting strong national security; and WHEREAS, The Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization in the country. It depends wholly on active membership and volunteerism; and WHEREAS, Membership for the Legion stands at over 2.4 million in 14,000 posts worldwide; and WHEREAS, The Legion has influenced considerable social change in the United States and won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth; and WHEREAS, Most especially, the Benjamin Franklin Post 405 has a significant and distinguished history associated with defending the nation; and WHEREAS, The Benjamin Franklin Post 405 directly descended from the Grand Army of the Republic Post #1; and WHEREAS, The records of the Benjamin Franklin Post 405, including financial statements, meeting minutes, membership records, and newsletters, are part of the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library; and WHEREAS, In 2014, the Benjamin Franklin Post 405 announced an initial pledge of $50,000 on behalf of the citizens and veterans of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to donate to the National Museum of the United States Army to recognize the contributions of Pennsylvania to the defense and strength to the United States; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the Benjamin Franklin American Legion Post 405 for its dedication to Philadelphia and the United States with its mission of the American Legion. RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Post Commander LTC Jon Peterson (retired) further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End