Ocean City American Legion Schedules Grand Opening Ceremonies For New Building

OCEAN CITY – After nearly four years of fundraising and the construction efforts by a large team of dedicated volunteers, the members of Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 will celebrate the grand opening of their new building at 46th Street and West Avenue.
The new 4,800 square foot post building will be officially dedicated on April 7 in a members-only ceremony from noon to 2 p.m., followed by subsequent ceremonies April 14 for local dignitaries, American Legion county and state officials and non-member donors, and again on April 28 for vendors, contractors and unions who helped throughout the construction process. 
The local Morvay-Miley Post 524 chapter of the American Legion was chartered on May 15, 2000 and was, most recently, housed at 3304 Bay Avenue. With its membership growing rapidly to include 425 American Legion members, 150 members of the Auxiliary, and 125 members of the Sons of the American Legion, the original post building became too cramped. 
“Mayor Gillian and the Ocean City Council worked together to provide a location for us to build our new post home,” stated Commander Bob Marzulli in a release. “This new building, which we own free and clear, will allow us to continue to grow and add new veteran projects. It will also allow our younger veterans to hold meetings at a permanent post for many years to come.”
Since the groundbreaking in 2014, city officials and veterans have spoken about the importance of the new facility and the importance of the American Legion to Ocean City.
“We are very proud of our participation in many year-round projects in Ocean City by our Legion members,” stated Marzulli. “Some of these activities include The Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies, The Daily Boardwalk Flag Raising (from Memorial Day weekend to Sept. 11), The Run for the Fallen, The Walk for the Wounded, The Veterans Rest & Relaxation Program (which offers free Ocean City vacations to active duty service members and their families), the Coffee Express Program (which ships packages of care to deployed service members), The Free Beach Tags for Veterans Program, and our sponsorship of two local Boy Scouts of America troops.”
Susan L. Newkirk, president, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 524 mentioned the many local service projects undertaken by the members  in her part of the Legion family. “The work of our local American Legion Auxiliary Unit involves supporting veterans and their families, honoring the sacrifice of those who serve our country, and promoting patriotism,” she stated.
“We advocate for veterans, mentor our youth, and promote Americanism through projects such as serving veterans and families who live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, offering financial support for both The Run for the Fallen and The Walk for the Wounded, sponsorship of New Jersey Girls’ State, conducting social and donor activities at The Vineland Veterans’ Home, and sponsorship of Veteran Honor Flights.”
The third wing of the Post 524 organization is The Sons of the American Legion, comprised of direct descendants of honorably discharged veterans. Sons Commander Michael Byerly was quick to praise his members for their local and national work.
“Our squadron members are actively involved in lending support to veteran residents at The Shores at Wesley Manor through our Veterans Appreciation Program. The Sons visit and spend personal time with veterans each month delivering birthday cards, Christmas cards and gifts, and organizing special events such as Patriotic Movie Night, dinners, luncheons and musical entertainment,” he stated.
“One of our favorite projects has been to videotape veterans discussing their years in the service, as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project,” continued Byerly. “We are also active in the community, distributing American flags at the annual Ocean City Block Party, donating funds to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, as well as being the second highest contributor in the state to The Legion’s Child Welfare Foundation.”
Post 524 is one of the most active American Legion Posts in New Jersey and welcomes local participation in their many community and social activities honoring veterans. Membership Committee Chairman Bob Buker is accepting applications at 609-304-3088 or at Legion524ocnj.com.               
“We are very proud of our past accomplishments and look ahead to serving all veterans who seek our help,” stated Marzulli. “These programs, and the men and women who take the time to perform them allow The American Legion to make a difference on the local, state and national levels.”