American Legion Post 86 Wilton, CT

06/14/2026

On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring the creation and design of the U.S. flag. It proclaimed “that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
May the flag forever wave over our nation, proudly protected by Veterans who have bravely fought for our freedom.

06/14/2026

06/04/2026

05/26/2026

in 1954, the U.S. Navy suffered a devastating tragedy in the North Atlantic. While conducting flight operations, the aircraft carrier USS Bennington (CVA-20) experienced a catastrophic catapult explosion. The disaster claimed the lives of 103 crew members and embarked air group personnel, while injuring 201 others. Today, we pause to honor the incredible bravery of the damage control teams who responded to the crisis, and we solemnly remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the foundation of our freedom. Today, we honor them, not just in words, but in how we live, serve, and support one another.

05/24/2026

in 1918, the U.S. Navy found itself navigating the complexity of a Russia in Chaos. The legendary cruiser USS Olympia put a landing party ashore in Russia to participate in the Anglo-American occupation of Murmansk and the seizure of Archangel. Their mission was to secure massive stockpiles of Allied war materiel sent prior to the Russian Revolution and prevent them from falling into the hands of the Bolsheviks. A fascinating and lesser-known chapter of World War I naval operations!
📸: Men of Olympia’s landing party ashore in Murmansk, Russia, July 1918. (Courtesy of R.M. Myers of Birmingham, England, 1967, unattributed U.S. Navy Photograph NH 43271, Photographic Section, Naval History and Heritage Command)

05/23/2026

The red poppy speaks where words fall short — a silent tribute to the sacrifices made for our freedom by the heroes who served and died for our country in all wars. ❤️‍🩹 The poppy is a reminder that their courage will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

After World War I, the American Legion Family brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day.

The Auxiliary promotes the poppy as a symbol of the sacrifices our military have made, a symbol to open people’s hearts and inspire them to donate to help support the future of veterans, servicemembers, and their families. 🇺🇸

Today, on National Poppy Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living. ❤️

05/22/2026

Tomorrow, on National Poppy Day, wear a red poppy close to your heart. ❤️ Let it be a symbol of gratitude for the heroes who laid down their lives and a gesture of support for the brave men and women who still wear our nation’s uniform. 🇺🇸