Durand American Legion
Gold Star Post 676
For Hall Rental information please contact Ken Moore at 815-543-2783
Program Announcements
2024 Boys State - Candidates Sought​
The American Legion Department of Illinois hosts the Illinois Premier Boys State each June, at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. Boys State is a program designated to mirror the structure of Illinois local, county and state governments, while providing training in citizenship, leadership, and character development.
To be eligible a participant must have completed their Junior year in high school and must have one or more semesters in high school to complete after attending Boys State; be sponsored by an American Legion Post, parent, individual adult, church, bank, union, school organization or other organization; and attend all sessions and activities of the week. Any individual(s) sponsored by the Durand American Legion will receive fully paid tuition and transportation (bus) costs.
If you have any questions or would like a Boys State application, please call 815-248-2407.
American Legion Scholarship
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The scholarship program of the American Legion was established to assist students who have the ability and desire to receive an education beyond high school in an institution accredited by the proper state authorities and/or recognized by the Department of Veteran Affairs, including universities, colleges, technical or trade schools.
The applicant must: be the son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter of a current paid up member of the Legion or a deceased member; be a senior in high school; be a citizen of the U.S.; meet academic standards of the school he/she wishes to attend. The maximum award is $1000.
If you would like to receive a scholarship packet or more information, please call 815-248-2407.
Hospital Equipment Loans
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Post 676 has a wide variety of home health care equipment available for loan to anyone in the Community. This includes crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, commode chairs, shower chairs, hospital beds and even electric mobility scooters.
If you need any equipment of this nature please feel free to give us a call at 815-248-2407.
Upcoming and Recent Events
Monthly Meetings
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Monthly meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the third Monday of each month at the Post Hall. All members are urged to attend the monthly meetings.
The next monthly meeting will be held on 20 May 2024.
Hall Rentals
Hall Rental information is available by contacting Ken Moore at 815-543-2783.
Post 676 Visits Durand Elementary 5th Graders
On December 21st members of Post 676 visited the 5th Grade class at Durand Elementary School.
The purpose of the visit was to present a Certificate of Participation to the class for their efforts in a recent class project writing letters to area veterans.
Post Commander George Fagerstrom thanked the students and presented the certificate on behalf of all the veterans who enjoyed receiving their letters.
After the presentation their was a short Q&A session.
It was very uplifting and rewarding to see the young people expressing such interest and appreciation to the veterans. Thank you 5th Graders!
Girl Scout Troop 1223 Visits Post 676
At the December monthly meeting Post 676 welcomed Girl Scout troop 1223. The young ladies first participated in the Opening ceremonies, including the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer.
The next order of business was a class in flag folding given by Post Commander George Fagerstrom. After a short demonstration the Scouts took turns practicing the folding of the flag. Once they had mastered the task the Commander presented the Troop with a flag so that they can continue practicing their newly learned skills.
We would like to thank the Troop leaders and the Scouts for attending and commend them for their patriotic spirit.
Post 676 members visit Dakota Elementary 6th Graders
On Friday, Sept. 15th, Post 676 members Ted Buisker, Ken Moore, Dick Cuthbertson, George Letcher and Duane Stephen visited the 6th graders at Dakota Elementary.
They shared some of their experiences from the military and answered questions from the students.
We'd like to thank the kids and their teachers, Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Graydill, for their time and attention. It was an honor to be a part of your day!
Biker Bash/Chili Shootout 2017
It was a beautiful day for the Bash!! A large crowd turned out to see the bikes and sample the chili.
Once again The Durand American Legion Post 676 Chow Hall Chili Experience was voted winner of the People's Choice Award.
Thanks to all who attended and helped make this year's event a great success. Hope to see you again next year.
Click on the picture at left to start a slideshow and click through the pictures of the Post 676 Legion Chili team and the other festivities.
Thanks again!
Honoring Vets from Medina Manor on Veteran's Day - 2017
On Veteran's Day Post 676 and Medina Manor paid honor to the veterans who call Medina home, and other vets, in a ceremony held in the Durand UMC Community Hall.
There were refreshments, snacks, speeches, awards and music.
Many thanks to all those whose hard work made this possible.
Click through the sledeshow on the right for photos from the event.
Veteran's Day Program at Dakota Elementary - 2017
There was a large turnout for the Veteran's Day Program at Dakota Elementary. Area veterans and their families enjoyed a delicious breakfast followed by a patriotic program of songs and spoken words.
The students and staff did a wonderful job of decorating the hallways and rooms. Everyone made the the veterans feel welcomed and appreciated.
A very heartfelt Thank You from all the veterans who were honored today!
Feather Party Bingo at the Hall
The house was packed last night for a very successful Feather Party Bingo. There was a lot of good food and pie provided by the members of the Legion Auxiliary. Thank you, Ladies!!
Also a big thank you to The Sons of the American Legion for all their help with set-up, take down and running of the games.
Despite the weather everyone seemed to have a great time (except possibly the turkeys).
Thanks to all who attended. Hope to see you at the next event.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!