This is a program for Howard Gardner Post No. 281 Deceased Legionnaires. WWI Legionnaires of this Post started this program of the “American Legion Crosses”.
WWI members, with Mr. Samuel Cannistraci in charge, placed crosses every year at the Post Home (where the cannon is now placed). The cannon then was on the hill at the back of the Home. When the crosses outgrew the space, they were moved to their present location (Soldiers Park).
With the passing of Samuel Cannistraci, his son Joe, took over the placing of the Crosses. With his passing, the Post Membership is now placing the crosses.
The rules then and now are as follows:
1. To have a cross placed in your “honor”, you must be a paid-up regular member of Howard Gardner Post No. 281 American Legion, at the time of your death.
2. The Post Adjutant (in charge of paid up membership records) will have the final say as to eligibility of the Cross.
3. This year, total “Crosses” will be close to 1,075.
