American Legion South Bay, Post 184

Our Post lost an icon yesterday. Robert 'Bob' Pierce passed peacefully at home with family. Bob was a retired Peace Officer and a WW2 Navy Veteran [possibaly the last WW2 member of our Post]. Bob did not like having his photo taken but he was in a good mood the day we took this one. He was winning at cribbage against his nemesis, Howard Hermes, and had an ice cold beer at his side. These two Vets had been going at this almost daily for the last 30+ years!... Fair winds & following seas Sailor. You will be missed... {We will post more info when it becomes available.}

Our Post lost another member that transferred to Post Everlasting. ROBERT E VAN HORN was has been a 'regular' at 184 for the last few years. His generosity to the Post allowed for many upgrades and the renovation of our clubhouse. Bob was an true inspiration as he dealt with a condition that would make lesser men surrender. His comradeship and inquisitive nature will be truly missed, especially by those fortunate enough to have been blessed by his presence. God Speed Bob...

We just received notice that one of our most popular and loved member, John Murphy, left us Christmas Eve. Rumor has it that Santa needed a handyman for his workshop and picked up John on his way through Philly. Boy, is Santa in for a surprise! John was a fixture around Post 184 for more years than most can remember. For many years He organized an annual Day at The Races to Hollywood Park that was always sold out and highly anticipated by members. Both are gone now and will b...e remembered with delight. One of John’s most inspiring qualities was his devotion to his wife Bea. As she declined in health, he would come into the Canteen daily at noon and order his usual beer and shot of brandy. When he would take a trip to the men’s room, his ‘Pal’ Gary Palmer, another daily fixture, would suck down his libation leaving only a drop. Upon his return, the ensuing locker-room encounter was legendary! A casual observer would conclude these men were dire enemies. But, in truth, these guys genuinely loved one-another. Surely, one of Palmer’s saddest days was the day John left for Philly. Always, ALWAYS, at one o’clock John would dash home to check on his bride of many years. ‘Murph’ was a gentle man but if you got on his wrong side, he would let you know in a New York minute! However, if you were fortunate enough to have him buy you a cocktail, you knew your social standing in the Canteen just went up a notch or two. John was a Shriner and he always had a story or two about his time at the Shrine Auditorium and the Celebs he met. One of his often-told stories was the time he gave Ernie Center, Legion member, His neighbor and very wealth, a ride home from the Canteen in his new Oldsmobile 88. John told Ernie that would be 8 bucks for the ride! Ernie’s response cannot be repeated here. Sadly, Ernie passed the next day and John never collected. He, of course, loved Ernie but did enjoy telling that story. John also like to tell tales of his initial stay in LA at The Peacock Hotel - A favorite hangout for Hollywood Park’s jockeys and their reverence, and probably his, for the Art of Distillery. Before his move to Philly, John introduced us to Leah & Brad, his granddaughter & grandson. Their frequent trips to help with the move were welcomed visits to Post 184. They are wonderful and caring people, just like him. John’s warm smile, his firm handshake and his always curiosity about your well-being will be missed. We can only hope that the current generation can produce more Johns. We really need it.

Sending warm wishes and cheer

Along time ago, before our Tiki Bar. A ceremony in the backyard , maybe around 1947. We had a Cannon! What happened to our Cannon? A reward will be offered - no questions asked...

Worth noting next time you visit the Tiki Bar. This is the last of 6 roses planted many years ago by Jack Sadler. Jack was a longtime member of Post 184. He was aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor and was blown into the sea during the Japanese attack and survived. A nod or salute to his memory would be appropriate as you pass.