American Legion Post 327 disbands after 60 years
VETERAN ORGANIZATION
American Legion Post 327 has disbanded after 60 years of service in Leisure World. Founded in February 1966, the club was best known for its special patriotic events for Veterans Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day, which featured live music and featured speakers in Leisure World’s clubhouses.
In addition to its holiday events, the Legion was also known for its steadfast support of veterans, their families and local veteran service organizations. Its popular pancake breakfast fundraisers were held twice annually for many years, and shoppers looked forward to the Legion’s indoor flea market in Clubhouse 2, which was held annual for over 20 years in collaboration with the American Legion Auxiliary.
Legion members were also a familiar sight during their annual Amphitheater concert fundraiser for Fisher House. The facility provides free housing for families of veterans receiving long-term care at the VA Hospital in Long Beach.
In 2021, the Legion collaborated with the GRF to obtain a mailbox to collect worn out and damaged American flags. The Legion
Members of the American Legion Post 327, American Legion Auxiliary and Fisher House gathered to celebrate the success of the 2025 Amphitheater concert fundraiser. Pictured are Sandy Esslinger (l-r), Lee Esslinger, Yolanda White House, Hilary Zappin, Rich Carson and LaBrenda Carson. commissioned artist Anthony Rico to paint a beautiful, red, white and blue design on the mailbox, which was placed in front of the LW Library. Residents could drop off flags and be assured that they’d be respectfully disposed in adherence to the U.S. Flag Code.
The Legion was also greatly involved in Leisure World’s 50th anniversary celebration and numerous special events. In its early days, American Legion members were primarily veterans of World War I, World War II and the Korean War. The next generation of veterans who fought in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq did not join fraternal veterans organizations like their earlier counterparts. According to Legion Finance Officer Lee Esslinger, it had become increasingly difficult to recruit new members, so the chapter could no longer sustain itself.
Leisure World residents who want to join or remain active in the American Legion will be welcome with open arms by Los Alamitos American Legion Chapter 716. For more information, call Lee Esslinger at 310-491-8990. The American Legion Auxiliary will continue to operate as a club.
