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Pasadena Post 13 opens its doors to honor first responders with luncheon
Pasadena Independent May 10, 2022
Pasadena Fire Department enjoy recognition lunch at Legion Post 13. | Courtesy photo
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American Legion Post 13 opened its doors to the public for the first time in two years, due to COVID-19 mandates, to recognize first responders in their community.
Army Veteran and Post 13 Legion Member Richard Castellano shared, “We want Pasadena to know we care and honor our first responders.”
First Responders luncheon has been a long-standing recognition program of the American Legion — but due to pandemic restrictions, the luncheon celebration at Post 13 has been absent inside their historic building for the last two years.
The gathering was intimate and full of excitement as some of Post 13 Legionnaires expressed how great it felt to be able to open their doors for a public event since the pandemic began in 2020 and how special it was to be able to welcome the Pasadena Fire Department and the Pasadena Police Department and get together for lunch at Post 13.
Post 13 Commander, Agustin Grube, informed that hosting the recognition luncheon for first responders at the post is an insight into the future of returning to a feeling of normalcy in their community.
The recognition luncheon awarded John Lewey with the “Pasadena Police Officer of the Year” award and Raffy Bitchakdjian with the “Firefighter of the Year” award. Both have had an incredible record of excellence in their performance in their respective roles as first responders in the City of Roses.
Since the pandemic and the closing of the Legion’s doors, members have been primarily operating virtually, by phone, and or strictly by appointment only. Post 13 Legion members started the Veterans Assistance Program during the pandemic due to experiencing a high call volume for help from veterans and they have continued to give food to low-income seniors every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.
If you would like to learn how you may become a member, get involved or donate to the American Legion Post 13 in Pasadena, visit pasadenapost13.com for more details.
