By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian
Scottsdale AZ — You just arrived at Post 44. You’re exhausted but feeling welcome as always. You feel excited about winding down with that expertly made cocktail or maybe chatting with a fellow veteran or possibly giving that new food item on the menu a try. With all that on your mind, you quickly shuffle through the Post 44 foyer on your way to our wonderful bar area. Please slow down! Tap the brakes. Take a few minutes to contemplate Post 44’s past. All too often most of us simply blow by our “Memorial Wall” without fully reflecting on the veteran and/or family members who created and added to this wonderful tribute. It’s truly a significant part of our Post’s remarkable history.
The concept of this monument started in 1993 when Post 44 moved to our current 2nd Street location. The Post 44 Commander at the time was Robert Smith (a name memorialized on the plaque immediately outside of our building). It began with a newly constructed brick wall and a simple idea from a handful of visionaries. This idea has grown into what we have before us today. Their vision was… “Let’s make this something we can grow and expand every year by dedicating an obvious location where we can memorialize our brothers and sisters in arms who have contributed to our nation’s support. Let’s make sure our legion family remembers them.”
Who is eligible for a plaque?
Adding a plaque (aka tile) to the wall can come from anyone or any organization looking to donate $100 to Post 44. Contrary to what many in our legion family believe, a donation or plaque dedication is not reserved for post members. Dedicating a plaque is available to:
- Veterans or spouses who want to recognize their loved ones
- Organizations that want to recognize outstanding community service and/or support
- Sons, Riders, Auxiliary members or Post Veterans
- Individuals who want to celebrate a veteran’s service or contributions during a US conflict
- Or maybe a simple “Thank You” to a post member or veteran
In 1993, they decided a donation for a tile would cost $100. Today, dedicating a tile will still cost you $100! If you consider the time value of money (aka inflation), a tile donated in 1993 would be worth $216 today. What an amazing value!
While there appears to be plenty of space on the wall for additional plaques, here’s my math on the space that’s still available. I estimate that there are currently ~638 tiles already on the wall (29 bricks x 22 bricks). That leaves ~464 spots still available as of this article’s publishing date (29 x 16). Of course, the “sweet” spot is at eye level or close to it. Of course, eye level real estate is going at a quicker rate than the other areas.
How Can I add a plaque to the wall?
The process to customize your own plaque to celebrate one’s contribution is easy. We have a form titled “Brick Wall Plaque Information (see below).” Simply complete the contact information, add your 10 words or less that will show on the plaque, make your $100 check payable to American Legion Post 44, and submit this form with that check to the Post Adjutant. The adjutant will then provide an estimated time of plaque delivery.
What could “my” plaque look like?
“This memorial (the wall founder’s concluded) stands as a silent sentinel to remind all who gaze upon it the meaning of family, dedication and service above self to the noble cause of democracy, freedom, love and liberty. Let us never forget”
One of these days as you’re sweltering from Scottsdale’s unbearable heat and proceeding through our Post 44 foyer, glance to your right. Maybe pick a spot on the wall to focus your attention. Give that group of plaques a read and consider the person being celebrated and/or the organization or individuals who donated to our legion. Let them know in your heart that we remembered to notice. We are so fortunate! “Best damn Post in the west!”