By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 is inviting all members of the community to a grand reopening and naming ceremony of its headquarters on Saturday, January 28, from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Pacific Palisades Design Review Board voted unanimously to approve proposed changes to the Post headquarters during a virtual meeting Wednesday, October 13, 2021, which included facade improvements, a lobby expansion, flag pole, two wall signs and two window decals.
Applicant representative Damian Catalan said at the time that the project is an “exciting” one: “The American Legion has been at this location since 1965 … and it’s time for a little bit of a refresh.”
Construction on the project began on March 15, 2022, and updates were previously revealed to members of the American Legion in a soft-opening that took place November 11, 2022.
“It was my vision, as commander, to launch this strategy, to move our Post forward and to grow our influence in the community,” Commander Jim Cragg said to the Palisadian-Post in November. “Our goal is to elevate our Post’s image in the community so that we can reconnect more with our neighbors … To do that, we had to bring all of our members together and the images of unity in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. [That was] our first step.”
When asked what attendees could expect at the event, Post Adjutant Kevin Niles explained that first is its “newly renovated facility that is more up to date and modern.”
Among the renovations, Niles explained, was making the front ramp into the facility ADA compliant, as well as making the main restrooms ADA compliant, as opposed to the one located in the back.
“We’ve got a brand new mural that is depicting the different conflicts the United States has been in: World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, our Gulf War and our Desert Storm,” Niles explained. “It’s an inclusive mural that depicts the American GI and different eras.”
Another new feature of the facility is a photograph of the Post’s namesake, the late former Palisadian and President Ronald Reagan, in his military uniform when he was a captain in the Army.
“We have another photo of Ronald Reagan that is depicting him with the Legion cover with 283 on it and a quote from Ronald Reagan,” Niles continued.
Dating back a couple of years ago, according to Niles, the Post began paperwork to officially change its name from Palisades Post 283 to Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283.
“Because Ronald Reagan was a Post member,” Niles explained. “He transferred from the Hollywood Post in 1980 to our Post and was a member until he passed.”
The event will be emceed by Joe Montegna, and Councilmember Traci Park was anticipated to attend.
The Post is located at 15247 La Cruz Drive. Niles shared that a street closure of a portion of La Cruz Drive was in the works for the day of the celebration.
An official cutting of the ribbon, along with a performance of the National Anthem, is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. after which attendees will be invited inside the facility to see the renovations.
“The Palisades Post, for years, has been a major contributor to the community, from the Fourth of July parade to smaller organizations, like the Village Green,” Niles shared. “It’s kind of A to Z.”
For more information, including to RSVP to the January 28 event, visit alpost283.com.
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