Leo Carey American Legion Post 56

American Legion Baseball Post 56 sponsors a summer baseball team. Goals are the development of team discipline, individual character and leadership development qualities in young people.

American Legion High School Oratorical Contest encourages young men and women to learn about our Constitution and gives students an opportunity to express their talents and win a scholarship. The contest is held at the local, district and state level with local contestants starting in January. Last year’s winner for the National was from the state of Minnesota. See additional information at http://www.mnlegion.org/html/oratorical.html

American Legion Boys State Is a leadership action program where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that government is just what they make it. Participants spend a full week of intensive training in city, county and state government. They establish real life examples in government at each of these levels. Boys State is conducted on the campus of St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN. Sponsorship of this program must be by a Post of the American Legion.

Flag Retirement Ceremony: Holds a special yearly ceremony to honor our nation’s flag and to honorably dispose of flags that have been used and are no longer serviceable.

Post Everlasting: Post 56 holds an annual Post Everlasting ceremony during its March membership meeting. Recognition is given to those Post members who have passed away during the preceding year. The members are officially transferred from Post 56 to Post Everlasting. The families of the deceased members are invited. This is one of highlights of the Post’s year.

Avenue of the Flags: Post 56 and other veteran organization volunteers install American flags and poles at county cemeteries on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Honor Guard: The Post 56 Honor Guard provides a dignified representation to fellow area veterans at funeral services, ceremonies, parades and civic events.

Civic Events: Participates in Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day parades and programs. Volunteerism: Post 56 members are often seen throughout the community at such events as Salvation Army bell ringing or other benefits.

Fund Raising: Post 56 sponsors periodic fish fry benefits for community organizations or individuals.

Salad Luncheons: Post 56 Auxiliary sponsors regular salad luncheon fundraisers, open to the public.