Legion Post Hosts
Annual BBQ for Veterans
By Austin McGuirk
8/4/11
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It would take more than 97-degree heat to discourage the members of Milton’s American Legion Post 114 from hosting their annual barbecue for patients of local Veterans Administration hospitals.

More than 60 hospitalized veterans from VA hospitals in Brockton, Chelsea and Jamaica Plain arrived by bus at Post 114’s picnic area July 21 for a great day out and a break from their usual hospital routine.

In what has become an annual event for the past 15 years, the Legion members manned the grill and all were treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon and a big hit every year: sausage onion and pepper prepared by member Ted Naser.

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to give these guys a well-deserved day away from the hospital,” said Post Senior Vice Commander Austin McGuirk. “Our Post is involved in many community activities, but this event is one of our favorites.

“A classic example is of one of our regular guests, ‘Big Al’ Arbrose from the Brockton VA. Al is a World War II veteran who served our country in both the European and Pacific theatres from 1939 through 1944. Al is now 92 and has been hospitalized for the past several years. Al loves to come here every year, always has a smile on his face and never complains about our cooking.

“It’s men like Al and so many of the veterans here today that gave so much for us and their country that make us feel privileged to be able to give them something back now – and we’ll be ready for them again next year.”