For the first time in its history, the American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad was escorted by the American Legion Riders to the centennial Post 62 for his first visit to Dunkirk.

The visit began with a tour of the Dunkirk Lighthouse, followed by a luncheon at Fredonia Memorial Post 59 and concluded with a tour of the VA Outpatient Clinic in Dunkirk.

A testimonial dinner was held in his honor at Dunkirk Memorial Post 62 by the Department of NY Mighty 8th District, with over 160 in attendance. Eighth District Commander John Miga welcomed distinguished guests New York State Senator Cathy Young’s representative, Blue Star Mother Susan Rowley, State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, who both respectively presented the National Commander with proclamations.

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas presented a key to our city as well as a proclamation to Commander Reistad. Department of New York Commander Gary Schacher, Department of New York Auxiliary President Marie Moch, Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) National Commander Greg Gibbs were recognized.

Reistad has been a member of the nation’s largest veterans organization since 1981 and served at every level of the organization. He was recently bestowed an honorary life membership by the National Association of Department Historians of the American Legion. He is a past Legionnaire of the Year and a member of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron in Manassas, Va. His theme as National Commander is “Celebrating Our Legacy,” with special emphasis on the organization’s centennial.