An Cosantóir

origins but all are connected to Ireland in some way. There are currently three posts: the Fr Francis P Duffy Post (IR02), Killarney; the Commodore John Barry Post (IR03), Claremorris; and the John F Kennedy Post (IR63), Dublin. The Fr Francis P Duffy Post is the largest and also the oldest, having been granted a permanent charter on September 21st 1951. Our Irish posts are always looking for new membership and we encourage eligible US veterans to join us. In the US many posts have their own clubhouse where members meet, socialise and have their meetings. However, no such establishments yet exist in Ireland and the three posts hold their meetings in various locations in their areas. One long-established meeting place is the Flesk Restaurant in Killarney, the spiritual home and meeting place of the Fr Francis P Duffy Post. The Flesk has much AL memorabilia and is well worth a visit to those interested in the AL in Ireland. We continue to serve our country and fellow veterans by assisting them in a variety of ways, particularly with regards to obtaining government and private assistance. We frequently liaise with US Embassy staff in Ireland and the Veterans' Administration in the US to assist our veterans and their dependents. One of our sacred duties is to provide an honour guard and military presence at the funerals of deceased US servicemen, Legionnaires or otherwise. This is often deeply appreciated by grieving families. We also represent our nation and the AL at public functions. The Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary are organisations closely affiliated to the AL and are intended as complemen- tary organisations for the family of members of the American Legion. While their activities in Ireland are very limited, they often act in the role of hidden support for their family members in the American Legion and frequently accompany them to AL functions. There are several memorials of interest to the AL in Ireland, including the Korean War Memorial at Lixnaw, Co Kerry, the Veterans' Memorial in the grounds of Adare Manor, the Mayo Peace Park (where there is a memorial devoted to US servicemen of Mayo ancestry). There is also a statue of Commodore John Barry, Father of the American (US) Navy, in Wexford Town. American Legionnaires often take part in civic and municipal functions near their home post, and are often invited by the Irish government, and occasionally others, to take part in other events. In Ireland, these events are often national in nature and over the last year included the Korean War Commemoration, the National Day of Commemoration, the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama to Ireland, and several other dedication/rededication ceremonies around the country. In recent years we have forged great links with ONEt, who have very generously offered their services to American Legionnaires in Ireland. We are most grateful to them and to the goodwill and generosity of the Government of Ireland. We often meet friends and wellwishers at public events and encourage their questions and queries. So if you have the opportunity to meet one of us, please feel free to engage in conversation if we are not otherwise engaged. We are perhaps best identified by our Legion cap and lapel pin. We can also be found online. In regards to the future we shall continue to serve alongside our Irish brethren in Ireland and other veterans' groups overseas that are working for a common goal. | 15 Fr Francis P Duffy Post (IR02) members and friends and Medal of Honor recipient Barney Bonham at the US Armed Forces memorial in Adare Manor. © Copyright George Rickard John F. Kennedy Post (IR63) Dublin members taking part in the Commodore John Barry Maritime Festival, Wexford, 2013. Vice Commander Mike Devine, Adjutant Seán T Rickard, Sergeant-At-Arms Joe Willis, with Son of the Legion Peter Stein before the Listowel St Patrick's Day Parade 2013. Legionnaires Glen Foy and Joe Willis accompany family members and remains of Legionnaire Thomas Keenan to his final resting place at Holy Island, Lough Derg, Co Clare in 1998. www.americanlegion-ireland.com www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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