LEOMINSTER — American Legion Post 151 in Leominster recently named Bill Bailey as Legionnaire of the Year, an honor selected by a vote of the members for a person’s involvement and impact on the post and its activities.
“It is someone that goes above and beyond just being a member,” said American Legion Post 151 Vice Commander Frank Ardinger Jr., of why the veteran was chosen.
According to a press release, Bailey joined the Leominster American Legion post last year and immediately became active in the Keep in Touch (KIT) program, whose mission is to reach out to veterans in the local area and let them know that they are not forgotten. The KIT team visits veterans on a regular basis with a small gift and chat, and Bailey enjoys being part of it.
Ardinger Jr. reported that in addition, Bailey volunteered to join the Everlasting Honor post team that provides a small ceremony for deceased veterans at their wake and has been the main driver for their Stars For Our Troops efforts. He found information on the Stars For Our Troops program, whose mission is to thank those who served or are serving in the military by giving them embroidered stars from tattered or faded American flags, and joined as a star maker.
Bailey crushed his goal of delivering 1,500 stars to local vets. In the first six weeks he delivered over 3,000 stars and each one comes with a note that reads “I am part of our American Flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and wind caused me to become tattered and worn. Please carry me as a reminder that YOU, are not forgotten.”
Since starting their own Stars For Our Troops program, American Legion Post 151 has been mailing a star to all the Leominster veterans, and they frequently receive requests for stars to send to veterans who are not city residents. If you would like a star for a veteran, you can find Bill Bailey at the Leominster Veterans Center at 100 West St. every Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or contact Frank Ardinger Jr. at [email protected].
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