The safety of fellow citizens is so important to members of the American Legion that they are willing to serve their country abroad and their community back home. The American Legion's Post 318 in Willow Glen is holding a free pancake breakfast and community fair with local public officials on May 23, and anyone is invited to drop by.

Representatives from the San Jose Police Department, San Jose Code Enforcement, and the San Jose Department of Transportation Parking Compliance unit will be present to answer questions and interact with the community. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office will also provide the opportunity to fingerprint children.

The fair's purpose is to make residents aware of community services and to give back, said American Legion Post 318 President Garry McLeod. He added that Willow Glen's American Legion post was established in 1931 by the Willow Glen Fire Station, before it became part of the San Jose Fire Department when San Jose annexed Willow Glen in 1936. This is the second annual community fair that Post 318 has held in Willow Glen.

The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 1504 Minnesota Ave. Legion members will be serving pancakes from 9 a.m. to noon.

—Beth Walker