BREIDABLIK — On March 15, a dream will become reality for more than 260 local veterans as American Legion Post 245 marks the grand opening of the Poulsbo American Legion Hall in Breidablik.

The celebration will kick off at 7 p.m. at the hall near the intersection of Pioneer Way and Breidablik Lane.

Since its formation in Poulsbo more than a decade ago, the post has grown from 15 members to 265, said past Post 245 commander Fred Reitmeyer.

“We’re one of the fastest-growing posts in Washington state,” Reitmeyer said.

The post had met monthly at the Poulsbo National Guard Armory on Jensen Way, but one of its goals was to have a place of its own, he said.

“It’s a tremendous step forward for us,” Reitmeyer said. “It’s something we’ve wanted for a long time.”

The building, which was formerly known as the Breidablik Social Hall, was deeded to the post by the Breidablik Association. Two of the association’s members are lifetime members of the post, Reitmeyer said.

While the building isn’t a brand-new facility, he said it will more than adequately serve its purpose as a legion hall.

But that doesn’t mean the American Legion is abandoning its long held space at the armory.

“We will still have our service officers at the National Guard Armory for as long as we can, because it’s so convenient for our clients,” Reitmeyer said.

American Legion veterans service officers Ken Nyberg and Birger Sather provide assistance to veterans and their families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday at the downtown location.

In addition to being an historic day for the Poulsbo veterans group, March 15 is the American Legion’s birthday as well, Reitmeyer said.

According the legion’s Web site, the American Legion was founded March 15, 1919 in Paris, France by members of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.

For more information about the event and the legion in general, call (360) 697-1578 or visit its Web site at www.kitsapnow.com/al245poulsbo.