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Civil War Monument, Byron, Illinois
ATTENTION! MEMORIAL DAY 2020 CANCELLATION NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that the American Legion Post 209 (Byron) has decided to cancel the 2020 Memorial Day service and parade. The decision was made in keeping with the Illinois Govorner's Executive Order limiting contact with the aim to reduce the COVID-19 virus.
Please take a minute of your time on Memorial Day to remember those who fell in defense of our country, and to think of the loved ones who remained behind.
And as we tackle the COVID-19 virus, please remember to say thank you to our healthcare workers, the essential services people who work unnoticed during this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Legion Post 209 Executive Committee.
AMERICAN LEGION PHILIP CAFAGNA POST 209 CELEBRATES 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
As part of the 100 year anniversary the post thought it would be engaging to inform readers of who Philip Cafagna was. So who is Philip Cafagna? As a post we were only able to find basic information on Philip. Philip Cafagna was born in Bari, Bari Italy in 1889. He immigrated to America during a wave of Italian immigration. He arrived in New York, New York Jun 8th 1907. History is a bit unclear of when he settled into the Byron area but we do know he registered in the United States military on June 5th, 1917 out of Chicago. He was part of the 132nd Infantry Army National Guard. He was shipped out to France May 1918 to participate in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest in United States military history, involving 1.2 million American soldiers. He became a casualty of war on Oct 10 1918 and was one of the first casualties of WWI from the Byron area. He is buried in Plot B Row 16 Grave 6 at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne, France.
The post would also like to invite members of the community to like our Facebook page. Simply search American Legion Post 209 in Byron IL. Also, feel free to post any historical pictures or info you would like to share about our post to our Facebook page. This can include pictures of local service men and women you would like to recognize from the area past and present. Lastly, if you have any unique stories or information please feel free to share as well. Digitizing our military history will help to further preserve our heritage. If you are a veteran and interested in becoming a member of our post, send an email to adjutant@legionpost209.org
Since our charter in 1920, our American Legion Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community. Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble below.
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Past Post 209 Commander Chet Kobel saluting
the flag at the end of the Final Ceremony and
playing of Taps. Memorial Day Parade and
Service.
2018
American Legion Post 209 members
providing the Firing Detail for the 2018
Memorial Day Parade
To the wonderful patriotic citizens of the Byron community. Join our Post as a Booster or Sponsor. (click Sponsor or Booster Button for details). 100% of the monies raised are given back to the community. Help us to continue sponsoring Scholarships for our children; give aid and assistance to our local needy Veterans, and their families. Help us to continue to support financially worthy community programs and projects.
