LaSalle becomes Town’s first American Legion Commander
Published on October 9th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - She helped shape history more than a half a century ago and she is still making history today.
Long-time Stoneham resident Ethel LaSalle made her mark on American history when, in 1944, the Stoneham High School graduate enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). As one of thousands of women who wanted to make a difference in war-time America alongside brothers, husbands and neighbors, the then 22 year-old LaSalle made the decision to get involved helping America win the war against those who threatened to shatter peace and democracy.
That decision did more than contribute to the fight of World War II. It also inspired in Ethel a lifetime mission to keep the memory, honor and support for American veterans at the forefront of the American conscience.
On September 28, LaSalle was installed as the first woman Commander of the American Legion Post 115. LaSalle succeeds Commander Ed Peek and chairs her first American Legion meeting this week.
"It’s quite an honor," she told the Independent.
It is an honor well deserved. LaSalle has held other posts, including that as board member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veteran’s Affairs, for which she was sworn in by Acting Governor Jane Swift last fall, and currently serves as Senior Vice President of the AmVets after having served as the first woman Commander of that organization in 1995-1996.
In addition, LaSalle’s service includes a term as the past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the George J. Hall VFW Post 620 three times, past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 115, past President of the Women Army Corps - Boston Chapter 14, and Deputy of Bedford’s VA Hospital Veterans Association Voluntary Service.
"I told the guys ‘Hey, you’re not getting anyone who doesn’t know what she’s doing’," LaSalle said of her fellow American Legion members.
Just as all past commanders have worked to keep the honor of veterans of all our nation’s past wars alive, Ethel’s service to the community has also brought home the very real fact of American women’s participation in the armed services.
About 60 women from Stoneham had the same idea that LaSalle had in joining the fight that became World War II.
"I let my folks know after I joined," she said of her bold move.
She was just a year over the minimum age requirement and had one brother serving in the service, and another in the merchant marine.
LaSalle was sent to Washington D.C. and served as a traffic analyst, auditing ship to shore messages.
After her service, she returned to Stoneham, married and had two daughters, Ethel and Marguerite.
American Legion Post 115 Past Commander Mike Flynn nominated LaSalle for her current position.
"Ethel has been up to her ears in Veterans affairs for years and years. You couldn’t find a better candidate,” said Flynn of the new Commander.
One upcoming responsibility LaSalle will oversee is the town’s Veterans Day celebration in Stoneham that strives to accomplish the Veterans Memorial Road Race Committee’s goal of increasing awareness of the meaning of Veterans Day.
"As a veteran, I’m ecstatic to see someone with as much background and leadership experience as Ethel who is sure to lead the Post in an exemplary manner," said race director and Air Force veteran Natalee Webb.
This year’s Veterans Day events will begin with a new race just for kids under age 12. A moment of silence is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. followed by firing of a canon at 11:11 a.m. to start the 11k road race.
LaSalle will lead runners to the starting line on November 11, and will lead the American Legion all year long in working towards honoring those who have served and continue to serve the county in its quest of preserving freedom.
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