TAKING CARE OF VETERANS & GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

The price of freedom can be seen within these pages

Tarpon Springs Post 46

Serving Veterans, Community, and Nation

Tarpon Springs Post 46 – A Legacy of Service, A Future of Hope

At Tarpon Springs Post 46, part of the American Legion Department of Florida, we proudly uphold the solemn promise made to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Our mission is rooted in service, honor, and unwavering support for veterans, their families, and the community we call home.

We are more than a veterans organization — we are a pillar of strength in Tarpon Springs, standing tall in both times of celebration and crisis. Whether it’s supporting youth, uplifting local schools, or simply being present when needed most, Post 46 is here to make a meaningful difference.

Investing in Future Leaders – Boys State

One of our most cherished programs is American Legion Boys State, where we sponsor outstanding young men from Tarpon Springs High School to travel to Tallahassee for a week-long immersion in civics, leadership, and government. These students learn firsthand how to draft legislation, engage in debate, and participate in the democratic process — helping to shape the next generation of informed and active citizens.

Honoring Excellence – School Medals Program

We are proud to visit Tarpon Springs Elementary, Middle, and High Schools each year to present American Legion School Medals. These prestigious awards recognize students who embody the values of:

Courage
Honor
Leadership
Patriotism
Scholarship
Service

These young leaders remind us that the American spirit lives strong in our youth.

Supporting the Scouts

Post 46 also proudly supports the Boy Scouts of Tarpon Springs, working side by side with these future leaders to instill character, citizenship, and community pride. Together, we build a foundation of service that will last a lifetime.

🔵 G46 – Weekly Bingo with a Mission

Each week at Post 46, when someone calls “G-46”, it’s more than just a lucky number — it’s a reminder of who we are and why we serve.

Our weekly Bingo nights bring the community together for fun, fellowship, and purpose. These events raise essential funds for programs like Boys State, school medal presentations, and support for local Scouts. Through every game played, you’re helping us build a stronger, more united Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs Post 46 stands as a beacon of hope, action, and unity.
Through every medal awarded, every youth empowered, and every veteran supported, we live out our mission:

For God and Country.

Honor, Support, and Serve Our Veterans

Our Mission – Tarpon Springs Post 46

At American Legion Post 46 in Tarpon Springs, our mission is clear and unwavering:

To honor, support, and serve our fellow veterans, their families, and our community — in every way possible.

Who We Are

We are proud U.S. military veterans united by duty, patriotism, and the unbreakable bonds of service.

We believe that the sacrifices made by veterans must never be forgotten — and that honoring them requires more than words.

What We Do

We fulfill our mission through a wide range of actions:

Helping veterans navigate VA benefits and services
Offering support to veterans in crisis or in need
Providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for local youth
Sponsoring programs like Boys State and Scouting
Hosting community events and ceremonies that honor service and sacrifice
Standing watch at funerals and memorials to ensure no veteran is ever forgotten

Why It Matters

Our members have served in wartime and peace, at home and abroad. Now, we serve right here at home — making sure that every veteran in the Tarpon Springs area knows they have a place to turn and a post to call home.

To serve those who have served.

Get Involved – Make a Difference with Post 46

At American Legion Post 46 in Tarpon Springs, we believe that serving veterans is a shared responsibility. We can’t do this work alone — we rely on the support, compassion, and dedication of our community to help us make a lasting impact in the lives of veterans, their families, and those still serving.

There are many meaningful ways to get involved:

Volunteer Your Time – Whether it’s helping at events, supporting our weekly Bingo fundraisers, or lending a hand to veterans in need, your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer.
Donate – Every contribution helps us provide services like emergency assistance, youth programs, holiday meals for veterans, and more.
Join Our Mission – If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, consider becoming a member of the American Legion Family (Post 46, Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, or Legion Riders). Together, we serve stronger.
Spread the Word – Help us raise awareness by sharing our mission on social media, inviting others to events, or simply telling a veteran that we’re here for them.
Support Our Youth Programs – From Boys State to scouting and student scholarships, we’re committed to mentoring the next generation of patriotic leaders.

Every act of involvement — big or small — helps us uphold our promise: to serve those who served.

Join us. Stand with us. Together, we are stronger.

Veterans: A Legacy of Bravery and Sacrifice

Battlefield Cross & Honor Guard Rifle Salute

The Battlefield Cross: A Sacred Tribute

The Battlefield Cross is a solemn and powerful symbol of respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Traditionally seen on the front lines, it consists of a rifle standing upright in the ground, a helmet resting on the rifle’s stock, and a pair of boots placed at the base. This symbolic memorial honors the fallen where they served and died, allowing comrades a moment to mourn and reflect.

At military funerals, the Battlefield Cross brings that same spirit of honor to the home front. It represents the bravery, selflessness, and dedication of those we have lost. Often accompanied by a rifle salute and the playing of Taps, the ceremony is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. It is not only a tribute to the fallen but also an opportunity to honor God, country, and the sacred duty these heroes fulfilled.

American Legion Post 46 stands proud in preserving these time-honored traditions as we continue to honor and remember our brothers and sisters in arms.

An Unforgettable Encounter with a True American Hero – Sammy L. Davis

A Moment to Remember

June 14, 2025 – American Legion Department of Florida Convention – Orlando

We had the profound honor of being in the presence of true American heroism.

Sammy L. Davis, United States Army Medal of Honor recipient, joined us at our Department Convention in Orlando — a moment we will never forget.

Known as “The Real Forrest Gump”, Mr. Davis inspired the iconic character portrayed by Tom Hanks in the award-winning film. But no movie could truly capture the heart, humility, and heroism that he brought to our gathering.

His words moved us all.

With his harmonica in hand — a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience — Mr. Davis delivered a heartfelt and uplifting speech that left not a dry eye in the room. He reminded us why we serve, why we stand by each other, and how faith, courage, and compassion can carry us through the darkest hours.

“We don’t leave our brothers behind.”

That message echoed deeply in every veteran’s heart.

From every Legionnaire in attendance:

Thank you, Mr. Davis, for your service, your sacrifice, and your unshakable spirit.

You continue to inspire generations to live with purpose, patriotism, and honor.

We salute you.

For God and Country.

#MedalOfHonor #SammyLDavis #AmericanLegion #ForrestGump #HeroesAmongUs #DepartmentOfFlorida #OneTeamOneDream #VeteransStrong #NeverForget

THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPT OF FLORIDA GENERAL SESSION OPENING CEREMONY

Opening Ceremony – American Legion Department of Florida General Session

The American Legion Department of Florida commenced its General Session with a time-honored opening ceremony—a powerful tribute to patriotism, tradition, and the enduring legacy of service.

The ceremony began with the Color Guard marching in with precision and purpose, proudly carrying the United States flag, the Florida Department flag, and other ceremonial colors. As the flags were posted at the front of the room, a moment of solemnity filled the space, honoring all who have served, are serving, and will serve.

Following the posting of the colors, the Department Chaplain offered a heartfelt invocation. The prayer called upon strength, unity, remembrance, and grace—reminding all in attendance of our collective duty to serve our comrades, our communities, and our country.

Before proceeding to the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment was taken to honor our nation’s prisoners of war and those missing in action. The POW/MIA Chair of Honor was respectfully recognized—a stark and powerful reminder that they are not forgotten.

The assembly then rose together in respect and unity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, reaffirming our commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and democracy.

In a display of unity and dedication, the group continued with the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion, recited with pride and conviction:

“For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:”

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;
To maintain law and order;
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
To make right the master of might;
To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy;
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

A Ceremony Rooted in Honor and Unity

This opening ceremony is more than tradition—it is a call to remembrance, a celebration of unity, and a reaffirmation of the values that define The American Legion. It brings together generations of veterans and Legionnaires in a shared purpose: to serve, to honor, and to never forget.

For God and Country.

TAKING CARE OF VETERANS & GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

TAKING CARE OF VETERANS & GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY