The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 Hosts National Day of Service Luncheon for Law Enforcement in the Community

As the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks is remembered and the lives lost are commemorated around the country, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 in West Augustine joined in by partaking in the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by hosting a luncheon for law enforcement in the community. 

There were several legionnaires from Post 194 on hand to support the auxiliary's event. 

Ninety meals were packed up to go to show appreciation to those in law enforcement, who help keep the community safe. Some meals went to the deputies at the jail, some to communications and some meals were given to those on patrol. 

The meals were served "to thank our first responders for all they do in our community and for our nation," says Bridgette Greene, Auxiliary president at the American Legion Post 194. 

Before sharing out meals, a ceremony was held to honor those, who lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. "As today marks the 20th anniversary, we remember those lost lives on September 11, 2001, and we continue to lift their families up in prayer," said Bridgette Greene. 

Two special flags hanging on the wall at the American Legion were highlighted, as these flags honor the lives lost in the September 11th attacks. 

The flags were donated by American Legion member and retired FDLE special agent Tony Pineda. "The Flag of Heroes has all the names of the first responders that were killed on 9/11, and the Flag of Honor has all of the names of the victims that were killed on 9/11," says Pineda. "Those flags were done right after 9/11 in New York."

Pineda explains that he was given the flags years ago while at a conference in New York, but that he never found the right place to hang them. "I'm glad that I found the proper place to display these flags," Pineda says. "Here they will be honored, and people get to see them."

American Legion member retired FDLE special agent Tony Pineda in front of The Flag of Heroes and the Flag of Honor with names of the lives lost on 9/11.

The partnership between the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office was evident with the presence of St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his wife Kendell, who are members of the American Legion Post 194. 

"We appreciate everything you guys do. This is one of many more to come," Bridgette Greene said about the meals being served. "We want to do this on a quarterly basis, and not only with the sheriff's department but also with our first responders."

Sheriff Rob Hardwick with his wife Kendell Hardwick, deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office together with Greg White, Post Commander Derry Green, and retired special agent Tony Pineda. 

Sheriff Hardwick, several deputies, and members of the St. Johns County Sheriff's office enjoyed a homecooked meal at the American Legion in West Augustine. 

The September 11th terrorist attacks marked one of the darkest days in American history, and the lives lost will never be forgotten. As the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 showed today, people across the country now come together at the anniversary of this tragic day to honor those lives lost through the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.  

To join the American Legion Post 194 in serving veterans, their families, and the community visit the American Legion Post 194 website. 

*This piece was originally posted on the West Augustine News Connection on September 11, 2021.

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