The American Legion was chartered by Congress on Sept. 16, 1919 to advocate for and serve the needs of military service veterans.

The Ralph Share American Legion Post 297 was formally chartered in August 1920 and stands among the earliest members of the national organization. The post was named in honor of Ralph Cameron Share, a United States Marine serving in France. He was wounded in action at Balleau Wood in June 1918 and killed on the Champaign front three months later while serving as a stretcher bearer. He was just shy of his 20th birthday when he was killed in The Great War, World War I.

The French government awarded him the Crois de Guerre for his bravery in action.

On Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, 1926, the Marcellus Veterans Monument was dedicated in a public ceremony and the names of 10 Marcellians, killed in action or died while serving, were read into the Roll of Honor. The monument faces the Methodist Church clock tower at the intersection of West Main Street and Slocum Ave. On each Memorial Day since, their names and the names of subsequent fallen Marcellus military veterans have been read aloud.

In its “Centennial Year plus 3”, the members of Marcellus American Legion Ralph Share Post 297 invite the public to once again join with us, as community, to remember and honor Marcellus’ fallen military veterans.

The ceremony will include the customary parade and all of normal traditional participants.

All will join once again to honor and commemorate the sacrifice of all our deceased veterans.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. with the ceremony at the memorial at 11 a.m., Monday, May 29 at the Veteran’s Monument in the village center.

For severe inclement weather, the legion is preparing an indoor contingency plan.

The members of Ralph Share American Legion Post 297 look forward to the resumption of our traditional remembrance and encourage the community to join them  in spirit if you are unable to attend in person.

The post membership will also hold its annual Poppy Day sale on Thursday morning, May 18 from 6:15 to 9 a.m.

Members and volunteers will be available at the village traffic light, at the Speedway on NY Route 175, and near the Marcellus School Campus lower entrance to offer remembrance poppies in exchange for a small donation.

Proceeds go toward supporting Veteran’s programs and causes such as Syracuse Honor Flight, the Syracuse VA Medical Center, DAV programs, Clear Path for Veterans, and others.