Post 16 members are active on a local, state and national level. The American Legion celebrates its 100th birthday in 2019. No principle poured into the foundation of the organization has proven more essential to progress in Washington over the last century than Article II, Section 2 of its constitution:
The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment. A journey through the decades, narrated by national leaders of different political persuasions and interests, in times of war and peace, illustrates the respect that founding principle has obtained as The American Legion has battled for a strong and well-prepared military, compassionate care for veterans, national pride through Americanism and wholesome development of youth. THEODORE ROOSEVELT JR.: Writing in the Aug. 8, 1919 American Legion Weekly
First, the organization should be nonpartisan, concerning itself with policies but never with partisan politics. Second, its membership should be composed of service men and women, regardless of whether they served overseas or were unfortunate enough to have their duty keep them in this country. Third, it should be really civilian and in its councils … general and private, admiral and gob, would be treated on the same basis. Through all of its actions, the doctrine of Americanism stands foremost. By it, the impulses of patriotism generated in the Great War will be crystallized and preserved for the future good of the nation. Its fields of useful activity are bounded only by the desires of its members. JOHN PERSHING: Speaking Sept. 20, 1927, at the American Legion National Convention pilgrimage to Paris
No orders from any government could ever create this spirit ... a continuation of this spirit and the desire to preserve and consecrate our war experience led to the formation of the patriotic society of veterans known as The American Legion. It was organized here in France with the sound of battle ringing in our ears. Its purpose, in part, is to cherish the memories of sacrifices in a noble cause, to safeguard the principles of justice, freedom and democracy, to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship and to promote peace and good will on earth. The American Legion is our country's Largest Wartime Veterans Organization. It was there in the early days of the American Legion and is one of the original Legion Posts in Connecticut. Since that time, Sutter-Terlizzi Post #16 has grown and supported many of the Legion’s Programs as well as local Americanism and Veteran Assistance initiatives. Presently, Sutter-Terlizzi Post #16 has approximately 420 Legion Members. Since our charter in 1919, our The Sutter-Terlizzi Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving, Country and Community Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble below. The post 16 Family includes The Veteran of Legion Post 16, The Legion Auxiliary Unit 16, and The Sons or The Legion Squadron 16
