The Pillars of Post 53

Post 53 is dedicated to upholding the pillars of the American legion:

The American Legion directs each post to uphold programs aligned with its mission. These are guided by four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Americanism, National Security, and Children and Youth. The Hillsdale Legion takes this to heart and runs programs in the spirit of the pillars.

Our Programs

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation:

  • Memorial Day Ceremonies

  • Veterans Day Ceremonies & Luncheon

  • Honor Guard

  • *Wreaths Across America (Greg and Dianne Paul) - Sponsorship

  • Veterans Retreat at Wilwin

  • Wilwin Lodge (Post & ALR) - Sponsorship

Americanism:

  • Boys State - Sponsor a Student

  • Oratorical Contest - Sponsor a Student

  • National Contest Reception Party

  • Scouts - Troop 4174 - Sponsorship

  • July 3rd Independence Day Celebration (Great American Celebration) (Corey)

  • Junior Shooting Sports - National Reception Dinner

  • Civil Air Patrol Uniform Stipend - Sponsorship

National Security:

  • Mobile Canteen Unit (Corey)

  • Community Emergency Response Team (Dean Adair)

  • American Red Cross Blood Drive (ALR)

  • SFC William H. Butler Law Enforcement Scholarship (Corey)

  • Blue Star Banner Program (ALR)

Children and Youth:

  • Trunk-or-Treat (Corey)

  • Fire Safety Initiative - Hillsdale City Fire Department - Sponsorship

  • Toys for Tots (Post) - Sponsorship

A blue canopy tent with two large blue flags displaying the American Legion Post 53 emblem and the slogan "Veterans Serving America." Several people are seated and standing around the tent, which is set up on a grassy area with trees and a parking lot in the background on a sunny day.
Two people walking in a parade holding a banner that reads "WREATHS across AMERICA" and features images of grave markers decorated with wreaths. The parade takes place on a city street with spectators, some seated and some standing, watching from the sidewalk. There are trees, houses, and a construction building in the background.
A man in a military uniform holding a rifle during a ceremony or parade.

We Are a 501(c)(19) Veterans Service Organization

Leighr A. Wright American Legion Post 53 is federally recognized as a 501(c)(19) tax-exempt veterans organization. This status allows contributions to our post to be tax-deductible as permitted by IRS regulations.

If you would like to donate in support of the programs above, please contact us.

Contact Us
Members of a color guard dressed in vintage military uniforms holding American flags and a Veterans of Foreign Wars flag during a parade.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard is one of our most important functions as a post. Our chief purpose is to represent the United States Armed Forces to the loved ones of veterans who have passed away. We will do graveside services at any time of the year within Hillsdale County.

The Honor Guard also frequently represents the Legion at various events around town. These events include Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July Parade.

If you would like to request Hillsdale’s Leighr A. Wright Honor Guard at an event or a funeral, please contact us.