Celebrate Fourth of July With American Legion Palisades Post 283

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 is launching a nationwide initiative alongside several Fourth of July celebrations, designed to “improve the standing of the military and veterans in American society.”

“The long-term initiative, led by Post 283 Commander Jim Cragg, aims to draw the public closer together to its veterans and military service members for a renewed camaraderie and mutual respect,” read a statement about the initiative. “In part, the Post will organize and promote events that highlight three military communities whose members exemplify the core values that define and guide America: Medal of Honor recipients, United States service academies and United States special operations forces.”

With several Fourth of July events taking place in Pacific Palisades—from the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K in the morning to fireworks at Palisades Charter High School in the evening—the Post plans to have an increased role.

“Medal of Honor recipients, the superintendent of U.S. Military Academy at West Point and many members from the U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets will participate in a full schedule of the day’s events in the community,” the statement continued.

“Run with the Supe” will take place at 8:15 a.m. on July 4 as part of the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K, which starts and ends at Palisades Recreation Center.

“Post 283 will honor all military services by inviting and hosting active duty military members, West Point Cadets, local ROTC Cadets and veterans to join U.S. Military Academy at West Point Superintendent Lieutenant General Gilland in the annual Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K Run,” according to the statement.

Following the race, active duty military, veterans and their families are invited to brunch at Post 283, located at 15247 La Cruz Drive, at 9:30 a.m., which will be attended by Gilland and Medal of Honor recipient Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell.

When the Fourth of July parade begins at 2 p.m., the Post will participate alongside “distinguished guests.”

“Post 283 founded the Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade,” according to the statement. “This year will feature a number of military vehicles, to include a military flyover, coordinated by Post 283 and various local military units. The 76th annual parade will include U.S. Military Academy at West Point Superintendent Lieutenant General Steve Gilland as the reviewing officer and Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell as an honored guest in the parade. As tradition dictates, Post 283 members will also walk in the parade.”

After the parade, Post 283 will host a “Meet Our Military” barbecue at 3 p.m., with military vehicles on display for children and families to explore. Gilland, Littrell, members of the U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets and Post 283 Legionnaires will be in attendance to speak to and ask questions of their military experiences. Gilland and Littrell are also slated to give speeches on “American independence and how the enduring values of freedom, patriotism and community sustain our country today.”

“We invite everyone to come out and celebrate our nation’s independence with American Legion Post 283,” Cragg said in a statement. “This is a day filled with pride, patriotism and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration.”