This American Legion post based on Merrick Road is a veterans organization for those who have served during a wartime period. Members meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:45 p.m.
In 1946, the American Legion Merrick Post 1282 was moved from North Merrick to its present location of 160 Merrick Road. The American Legion Post building was cut in half, transported to this new location and then joined together again.
Although physically divided during the move, the Post 1282 building and organization has been a united fixture in the Merrick community and surrounding communities in Nassau County. Under the tutor ledge of past Commanders, Robert C. Wieboldt, Robert T. Riordan (i.e. a Past County Commander), Jack Murphy, Vincent J. Gabriele, Philip L. Williams and up to Present Commander, Bernard H. Hoffman, this non-profit organization has tried to make the community aware of the United States of America's veterans' concerns and needs.
The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion gives the general mission statement of the post and other American Legion posts in the community and nation. What the American Legion Merrick Post 1282 tries to accomplish is to raise the awareness of veteran concerns and problems encountered in the community and to support our service men and woman who are serving in our Armed Forces.
The post participates in community activities, while making the community aware of its existence in the community. The Post has more than 168 members and has its own internal meetings and functions. In addition, Merrick Post 1282 has an Auxiliary chapter, whose mission is to support the American Legion and the community it serves.