American Legion honors vets with commemorative bricks

The American Legion Post 690 is building a platform for their newly renovated cannon with personalized bricks that the public can purchase and have engraved with their own tribute as a fundraiser for Legion Charities.

The American Legion Post 690's canon was returned to its original position in front of the Legion after receiving a complete renovation on Veterans Day 2020. The vintage World War II artillery gun has been a part of Post 690's heritage since the early 1950's. To make the restored canon a permanent part of Post 690, the Legion has decided to build a platform for the canon.

The ground level platform will be made from individually contributed and engraved bricks. Each brick, 500 are planned, will be donated by individuals making a $110 contribution. Each brick donated will be engraved with the name of the contributor(s) or person(s) they wish to honor. Patriotic and service related icons may also be included. “This is an opportunity for you to salute a veteran or family member by donating a custom engraved brick,” said Paul Clausell, Commander of the American Legion Post 690. “These bricks will become a permanent foundation for Post 690's restored canon.”

The Legion plans to complete and dedicate the restored canon and bricks on Veteran's Day 2021. To become a part of this memorial, download, print and complete the order form from alpost690.us. The form and payment can then be mailed to the American Legion Post 690, 122 W. Palatine Rd., Palatine, IL, 60067 or dropped off on Tuesday through Sunday in the Post 690 Club Room.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

The Palatine Chapter holds their monthly general meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For further information on the American Legion, any of their sponsored events or for membership write to the American Legion, 122 West Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067, call them at 847-359-1606, email them at palatinesal@gmail.com or visit alpost690.us.