John P. Powers, commander of Post 2001 in New York City, joined with other New York Legionnaires in a memorial service aboard the USS Intrepid Friday. Photo by Amy C. Elliott

>>>From the National Organization

The events of 9/11 had an enormous impact on the national level. But for a group of New York Legionnaires, it also meant finding a new home.

American Legion Post 1870 was based out of the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. During the terrorist attacks, the DAC was badly damaged and never reopened, meaning Post 1870 needed to either relocate or die off. But like the spirit of New York, the Legionnaires refused to go quietly into the night.

The post eventually moved aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and later changed its named to The American Legion 9-11 Memorial Post 2001. And on Friday, Post 2001 Legionnaires, along with other New York Legionnaires, took part in a memorial sunset ceremony to begin a weekend filled with remembrance of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The free, public ceremony took place on Intrepid’s Pier 86, near a display of pieces of 9-11 World Trade Center steel. Officers and crew from USS New York also attended.