The shadow of the decision to cancel the July 4 parade and fireworks in Schoolcraft, the result of US-131 reconstruction through the heart of the village, falls heavily on the village’s American Legion Post 475.
July 4th celebrations are a staple of summers in Michigan, and traditionally Schoolcraft’s is one of the most anticipated in the area. “Every year this post and its members look forward to maintaining the tradition of respecting what this holiday stands for,” Post Commander Don Benthin said.
Though disappointed by the village’s decision, and with an understanding of the difficult decisions, Benthin was quick to point out that while the village has cancelled all activities, the Legion has not. On the 4th, Post 475 will be selling a catered meal of chicken or ribs and fixings from noon to 4 p.m., or until all meals are gone. From 4 to 6 p.m. the Bruce Shockley Band will perform in the pavilion behind the post. During the event a bounce-house will be available for kids, there will be a cornhole tournament for adults, and the bar will be open to everyone of legal age. There will also be a huge raffle with some “very significant” prizes going to the winners.
The American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s organization, was founded in 1919. The Schoolcraft Post was chartered in 1946. Commander Benthin said, with pride, that the building “was built by Schoolcraft’s World War I and World War II veterans, and I have vivid memories of this place growing up in Schoolcraft.”
Post 475 at 425 East Clay Street could serve as the picture for the perfect small town American Legion Post. Small, unassuming, and welcoming, one can feel pride in this place just going by. The upstairs meeting room, proudly framed by photos of past commanders, is available to the public to rent for events, and the downstairs bar area features a pool table and comfortable seating. Recent upgrades have made this space the perfect spot for veterans to spend time with the people who know them best.
Post 475 has almost 400 members consisting of legionnaires, sons of legionnaires, and Legion Auxiliary. A recent relaxing of eligible requirements has made membership in the American Legion available to all veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. military. “Veterans are those who give selflessly, and they never stop serving their country and their communities,” Benthin said. “It’s that dedication that allows us to be involved in a wide multitude of projects.”
A list of projects that Post 475 supports includes supporting Cedar Park seniors, providing Friday Packs for school children, being a part of Schoolcraft’s Christmas Walk activities, Project Graduation, hosting a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps program, the Talons Out initiative, Toys for Tots, Veteran’s Administration Outreach, flag retirement services, and providing an honor guard for home Schoolcraft football games. Those wishing to learn more about the American Legion can call Post 475 at (269) 697-4339, or visit on Facebook at Schoolcraft American Legion Post 475.
