POST 56, CHERITON, VA

POPULATION 477

American Legion Northampton Post 56 was chartered in 1922 in Cape Charles, VA. In the 1950’s the post burned down and members met in various temporary buildings around the Eastern Shore until 2006 when they purchased a recently closed supermarket in nearby Cheriton. Several members stepped up and donated money and time for the remodel. “Even if you don’t have time, you make time,” member Bill Burton said. “Here, everyone is thankful. We are high on gratitude.”

Over the last decade, membership has risen from an all-time low of 22 to 245, and Post 56 has earned a remarkable collection of honors, including highest state membership, Commander of the Year, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and Legionnaire of the Year. In 2016, the post’s Auxiliary Unit had 43 members and its SAL Squadron 60 members.