The American Legion Emblem
The American Legion Emblem is deep in meaning that at first glance is not revealed. It is layed upon the rays of the sun, which is the giver of life, warmth and Courage; It is the foe of the cold , of darkness and of fear and apprehension.
Each of the remaining parts of the Emblem signifies a meaning which no American Legionnaire who wears the Emblem should take lightly, and which he or she should know from the first moment the Emblem is put on.
Here in pictures, are the meanings of all the symbols of the American Legion Emblem are presented:
The Rays of the Sun
The rays of the sun form the background of our proud emblem, and suggest that the Legion’s principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.
The Wreath
The wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States, that liberty might endure.
The Star
The star, victory symbol of World War II, signalizes as well: honor, glory, and constancy. Because the stars are fixed in the heavens. As the stars do not wander, so should The American Legion not wander from its fixed purposes. The letters U.S. leave no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion star.
Two Large Rings
The outer ring stands for the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled buddies. The inner ring denotes the welfare of America’s children.
Two Small Rings
Two small rings set upon the start. The outer ring pledges loyalty and Americanism. The inner ring is for service to our communities, our states and the Nation.
AMERICAN LEGION
The words “AMERICAN LEGION” demand that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions…
This is your badge of pride and distinction of honor and service.
Tribute to Zack Wheat
The Post is named after Zack Wheat, nicknamed Buck, who was an American Major League Baseball left fielder. Born in Hamilton, Mo., he was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1959.
Wheat lived from May 23, 1888-March 11, 1972. During World War I, he raised and sold mules on the side to the U.S. Army to use as pack animals.
After retiring from baseball, he lived on a farm in Polo, Mo., which he sold in 1932. Wheat then moved to Kansas City, Mo. where he operated a bowling alley and later became a police officer.
After being injured in a car accident, which happened while he was chasing a suspect, Wheat moved his family to Sunrise Beach to recuperate. He opened a 46-acre hunting and fishing resort here.
The monument in Sunrise Beach, Missouri memorializes a few important dates in his life.
He was with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1909-1926 and the Philadelphia As in 1927. The corner stones of the bottom square show the number of times he got on base. He made it to first 2,318 times, second 464 and third 171. With home plate, his total bases were 4,003.
