American Legion Post 78 Ridgefield Connecticut

10/05/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend and fellow Legionnaire, Robert (Bob) DeFalco.

Bob was a generous and dedicated member of our community who gave freely of his time and energy in support of numerous charitable causes. As an active member of American Legion Post 78, he proudly served on our Honor Guard, helping provide military honors for fellow veterans and service members at their final resting place. His commitment to honoring those who served reflected the deep respect he held for our nation’s veterans.

Bob’s kindness, selflessness, and unwavering willingness to help others left a lasting impact on our Post and our community. He will be greatly missed by his Legion family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and loved ones. May he rest in peace, and may we honor his memory through continued service to others.

07/01/2026

Post 78 is proud to announce that the following high school juniors have been selected to receive sponsorships to attend the 2026 American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs, taking place June 27–July 2, 2026, at the University of New Haven.

All students attend Ridgefield High School unless otherwise noted.

Girls State
- Harper Gibbons
- Audrey Black
- Abigail (Gigi) Bakle

Boys State
- Samuel Turok
- Quinn Westcott
- Gabriel Fincham
- Edward Eagle
- Robert Pattison (Immaculate High School)

American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are premier leadership and citizenship programs that are held annually across all 50 states. These immersive, week-long programs are designed to promote civic engagement and provide students with a hands-on understanding of how local, state, and federal government function.

Participants take part in mock government activities, leadership development exercises, and community-building experiences that help strengthen their understanding of citizenship, public service, and democratic processes.

These programs are especially beneficial for students interested in government, public service, law enforcement, military service, or pursuing admission to one of the nation’s military academies.

Post 78 congratulates these outstanding students and wishes them a rewarding and successful Boys State and Girls State experience.

Town of Ridgefield, CT
The Ridgefield Citizen LLC
Ridgefield Patch

06/06/2026

05/26/2026

In gratitude and remembrance of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our great nation, thank you to everyone who marched in and attended the Memorial Day parade, honoring our fallen heroes with pride, respect, and unity.

Your presence helped keep alive the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. May we never forget their courage, their dedication, and the families who continue to carry their legacy.

God bless our heroes, their loved ones, and the United States of America. 🇺🇸

Town of Ridgefield, CT
Ridgefield Patch
The Ridgefield Citizen LLC
InRidgefield

05/21/2026

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE - Monday, May 25

This year’s Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 25th. While it is viewed as the official start of summer, Memorial Day is not about picnics, hamburgers and hot dogs or even going to the beach. It is a day that we should show our reverend gratitude to the men, women and the surviving families of those who gave their all and paid the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. They fought for us, they fell for us, let us never forget them. Memorial Day is a very patriotic day, one in which I encourage all to renew your pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag.

While honoring our fallen heroes on this day, we will also honor this year’s Memorial Day Parade’s Grand Marshal, Ridgefield native, George Schuster.

Lt. Schuster was drafted into the Navy in 1965, upon graduation from the University of Connecticut. He was commissioned as an Ensign from the Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and was assigned to be part of the River Assault Flotilla against aggressor forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. After four years of service, George returned home, raised two children with his wife Sylvia, and became a Financial Consultant and Asset Manager with Merrill Lynch for 35 years.

Lt. Schuster is the main speaker at our closing ceremony in Ballard Park immediately following the parade, which begins at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to attend.

Commander Besse, American Legion Post 78

Town of Ridgefield, CT
InRidgefield
Ridgefield Patch
The Ridgefield Citizen LLC

05/20/2026

Prepare for Memorial Day by Honoring Our Veterans

The American Legion’s annual grave decorating will take place this Friday evening, May 22.

More than 1,200 flags will be placed on veterans’ graves throughout our local cemeteries. This important tradition depends on the support of volunteers from the community, including Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, local organizations, AND residents of all ages. Everyone is invited to lend a patriotic hand.

Volunteers should report to the American Legion Hall (the Little Red School House), 71 North Salem Road (Route 116), by 6:00 p.m. After a brief instruction on proper flag placement, teams will disperse to the cemeteries, where Legionnaires will be stationed to provide guidance.

Please bring a large screwdriver or similar tool to help make guide holes for the flags. With enough volunteers, the work is usually completed within an hour.

Join us in this meaningful tradition and help honor the true spirit of Memorial Day.

Town of Ridgefield, CT
Ridgefield Patch
The Ridgefield Citizen LLC
InRidgefield

05/02/2026

Since 1999, has served as the opportunity to honor the service & sacrifice of U.S. servicemembers past & present, & their families. We look forward to seeing all of them honored this month, including on , , & .

05/01/2026

🌺 Saturday, May 16 is Poppy Day! 🌺

Members and friends of Post 78 Ridgefield will be out in the community on Saturday, May 16, offering red poppies in exchange for donations. These poppies are more than just a symbol—they honor the sacrifice of those who served and died for our country, inspired by the remembrance tradition following World War I. Wearing a red poppy is a visible way to show respect and keep their memory alive.

This important fundraising effort directly supports the Post’s community-focused programs and services for veterans, families, and local initiatives.

You can find us - morning and afternoon - at the following locations:
• Starbucks
• Dunkin’
• Parma Market & Bakery
• Ridgefield Bagels and Bakes
• Coldwell Banker

Help us continue making a difference. Every contribution, big or small, goes a long way in supporting those who have served and in strengthening our community.

Thank you for your support.

Town of Ridgefield, CT
Ridgefield Patch
InRidgefield
The Ridgefield Citizen LLC

04/30/2026

Members of Post 78 Ridgefield recently attended RVNAhealth’s 25th Anniversary Spring Breakfast and fundraiser. RVNAhealth remains deeply committed to its mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare whenever and wherever it is needed, guided by a vision of a healthy community for all. Post 78 is proud to support this important mission and extends its sincere thanks to Kane Funeral Home Inc. for generously hosting a table for its members.

Pictured: 1st row, L-R: Joe Cosgrove, John Knoche, Commander George Besse, Adjutant George Schuster. 2nd row, L-R: Don Daughters, Finance Officer Neil Fritz, 1st Vice Commander Tim Dowding, Chaplain John Gillaugh, Sgt.-at-Arms Geoff Harrington.

04/11/2026

Thank you so much to the West Point Band for their fantastic performance last night at Ridgefield High School!