NORTHBOROUGH – After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 is looking for new members for all legion-related groups.
Post 234 was originally chartered in 1919 and has been part of the Northborough community for over 100 years.
According to Max Strickland, the Legion helps with veterans affairs and services for veterans and their families in addition to civic and community activities and events.
“Citizens and their families serving to protect their communities and country through military service return home to continue that service in the community as part of the American Legion,” said Strickland.
Community members need outlets to participate in local activities, and the Legion serves as one way to get involved.
“After the kids are all gone, having groups like the Legion for citizens to continue being active in the community is important,” said Strickland.
Post 234 stands at 402 West Main Street. Outside of the Legion is a large M60 Tank, and inside, the posts offers a variety of activities and groups.
Post 234 holds a veterans’ coffee hour the third Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m., which gives veterans from the surrounding communities an opportunity to listen to guest speakers talk about various services and issues important to veterans. Additionally, the Legion has been offering live music on most Saturdays with a cover charge along with an open mic on Wednesday nights.
As Strickland described it, Post 234 is one of the few locations in the area with live music. The Legion also rents out its function hall and meeting rooms for groups, sports teams and Scouts.
The events are in addition to the number of services offered at Post 234, including its Honor Guard, which is frequently seen at events and ceremonies in Northborough, including the recent tree lighting. There’s also a Veterans Food Pantry that is open the second and fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Legion’s other membership groups – such as the auxiliary, Sons of the Legion and Legion Riders – are also open to new members.
As for Strickland, his favorite part about being a part of Post 234 is interacting with veterans of all ages and backgrounds, who have stories of exploring the world while they were in the military.
“A lot of us did a lot of growing up, getting away from home back in our 20s. [There were] lots of opportunities made available through service. A safe place to finish growing up,” he said.
