Recently, the Howard Gardner Post No. 281 submitted information to The Daily Herald to let the public know about the program of the American Legion crosses at Soldiers Park.
This program is for Howard Gardner Post No. 281 deceased Legionnaires.
A spokesperson for the Tyrone American Legion told The Daily Herald that WWI Legionnaires of this post were responsible for starting this program in the past.
WWI members, with Mr. Samuel Cannistraci in charge, placed crosses every year at the post home, where the cannon is currently placed. At that time, the cannon was located on the hill at the back of the home.
When the crosses outgrew the space, they were moved to their present location at Soldiers Park.
With the passing of Samuel Cannistraci, his son Joe took over the placing of the crosses. With his and Charlie Bressler’s passing, the post membership is now in charge of placing the crosses.
The Legion listed the rules for the program.
First, individuals must be a paid member of the American Legion on a national level.
Also, to have a cross in an individual’s “honor”, that person must be a paid member of Howard Gardner Post No. 281 at the time of their death. The post adjutant, in charge of paid-up membership records, will have the final say as to eligibility of the cross.
According to members of the Legion, this year’s total crosses will reach over 1,015.
