Veterans offer ‘a look back in time through little pieces of history’

There is a lot of history that lies within Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336. Medals of honor, framed awards, uniforms, and other items that go as far back as World War II can be found in the post’s museum. However, for years, many of the items that are currently featured were in boxes up in the veteran’s attics and basements.

The post always had many trophies on display from different youth sports in the community. But Joe Brandes, a member of the post said, “We got tired of looking at trophies.”

So four years ago, Brandes and fellow legionnaire Kenny Kraft decided that it was time to shake things up. The trophies could stay, but why not include the member’s wartime memorabilia too.

“We slowly started putting this together,” said Kraft, adding that the collection has grown quite a bit. Inside large glass cases there are all sorts of items from World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Kraft served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. When he looked at one of his uniforms, which is featured in the museum, he couldn’t help but recall that he last served 50 years ago. “It’s so surreal to see this because it feels like yesterday that I came home from Pleiku, Vietnam,” he said. “Seeing this museum really shows how much time flies by. It’s a look back in time through little pieces of history.”

Brandes said the post got the ball rolling when his brother-in-law Phillip Ledeur started contributing what he had collected over the years. Shortly after, several other veterans began donating their items too.

Richard Hartney, a member of the Glenwood Landing post who donated his Marine uniform from his time fighting in the Korean War in 1952, said seeing the items makes him reminisce about his years of service. The museum has served as a conduit for the formation of a special relationship between the veterans. “It’s like bonding between all of the guys who served this country,” he said. “Not that I’m bragging, but the Marines always had a tight bond. It’s just nice to see a similar bond here.”

The legion continues to collect memorabilia for its museum for a reason. “We hope that this museum of ours will never stop growing,” Brandes explained. “People who live in this community don’t have to travel all the way to the city to see some history. They have their own museum in their backyard.”

Glen Head’s annual Memorial Day parade will end at the post where members of the American Legion will host a celebration of sorts providing food and refreshments. Brandes and Kraft hope that residents will take a moment to view the museum at that time. It will give them an opportunity to see the history that exists in their own community.