LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Private Leonard Post Jr. Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post No. 6251 for its steadfast and unwavering dedication
to the Cheektowaga, New York community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and support
the purposeful cause of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United
States of America, recognizing its long and sustained commitment to the
principles of democracy and freedom so revered by this State and Nation;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Private Leonard Post Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6251 for its
steadfast and unwavering dedication to the Cheektowaga, New York commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, There are more than two million members of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) and its auxiliaries located in approximately 8,000
Posts worldwide; founded in 1899, this vital organization assists all
veterans and their families in obtaining veterans entitlements and other
services; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the VFW works for the well-being of those serv-
ing on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post No. 6251 of Cheektowaga,
New York, has served the needs of local veterans and their families, the
local community, and the strength, power and influence of its national
organization for nearly 70 years; and
WHEREAS, Leonard Post, Jr. of Cheektowaga, New York, was one of the
first Walden area men to sacrifice his life in the invasion of Europe in
World War II; he was inducted into the United States Army on February
25, 1943, and was assigned to the infantry; and
WHEREAS, On June 12, 1944, six days after the invasion began he was
wounded in Normandy, France, and on June 14, 1944, at the age of 20 he
died of his wounds and was buried in the United States Military Cemetery
at St. Laurent, France; and
WHEREAS, On June 19, 1946, VFW National Headquarters granted a charter
to the Pvt. Leonard Post Jr. Post 6251, Cheektowaga, New York; and
WHEREAS, Private Leonard Post, Jr.'s body was returned to the United
States, and funeral services were held on December 20, 1947, at St. John
Gualberts Church; burial was in the soldiers section at Forest Lawn
Cemetery with full military honors provided by the post which bears his
name; and
WHEREAS, On April 13, 1948, the Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post 6251
was incorporated and registered with the State of New York, the corpo-
ration tasked with the financial aspects of the business and the mainte-
nance of the building and grounds; and
WHEREAS, A Ladies Auxiliary was chartered on October 22, 1950, and
Dads of Foreign Service Veterans Post 203, chartered on September 20,
1962, also shares the Post home; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting of Private Leonard Post Jr. Post 6251 was
in a back building on Walden Avenue, and Ben Holtz was elected Comman-
der; although the new organization struggled financially, they dreamed
of having a facility of their own; and
WHEREAS, Through many fundraising efforts and numerous bingo games,
the Private Leonard Post Jr. Post 6251 was able to buy a vacant building
lot on Walden Avenue; unfortunately the building was destroyed by fire
on January 26, 1949, before one meeting was held there; and
WHEREAS, A few years later, a large monument dedicated to those who
gave their lives for their country was erected by the post at Walden

Avenue and Leonard Post Drive (formally Krakus Boulevard) and was dedi-
cated on May 30,1953; and
WHEREAS, The Private Leonard Post Jr. Post 6251 then bought land, and
the cornerstone was put in place on November 22, 1960; one year later,
the post held their first meeting at 2000 Walden Avenue; and
WHEREAS, This building served as the post headquarters for many years
until the Walden Galleria Mall was being constructed; the mall bought
the building and the post headquarters moved to 2450 Walden Avenue in
1988, its present location; and
WHEREAS, Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post No. 6251 has a noble past,
accomplishing its mission and performing its good deeds in a spirit of
comradeship true to the highest traditions of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
devoted leadership of the Post's outstanding Commanders, both present
and past, and the absolute commitment of its many proud members, noting
the role played by this exceptional organization and recognizing the
significance of the contributions and sacrifices of the membership of
the Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post No. 6251; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post No. 6251 for its steadfast and
unwavering dedication to the Cheektowaga, New York community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Private Leonard Post Jr. VFW Post No. 6251.