N.Y. Legionnaire receives rare honor by American Legion

 

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 28, 2012) – An Owego, N.Y. native today has become only the eleventh person in the history of the 93-year-old American Legion to be named “Past National Commander of The American Legion,” without actually serving a term as national commander. Richard M. Pedro joins legendary New Yorkers Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., and longtime U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish in receiving the rare honor.

Delegates at the organization’s 94^th Annual National Convention unanimously passed Resolution 1, which officially bestowed the office upon the adjutant for The American Legion Department of New York.

“I am absolutely floored,” Pedro said after being sworn in as a past national commander by the current National Commander, Fang A. Wong, also of New York. “The American Legion is a great organization. I am honored and proud to be a part of it.”

Pedro joined American Legion Post 401 in Tioga, N.Y., 67 years ago after serving in the U.S. Navy.

While presenting Pedro a plaque commemorating the honor, North Carolina Executive Committee member Jerry Hedrick said, “These plaques are usually given to men who are about to do great things, but you have already done great things, a lifetime full of great things for your fellow veterans, your country and The American Legion. We know that you will continue to serve The American Legion and all of us will continue to be far better because of it.”