By Linda Taaffe

Los Altos’ Mayberry image as the all-American town earned it top honors in Sacramento this summer. The 40/8, a select group of the American Legion, recognized Los Altos as “City of the Year” for the state of California at a state convention July 19 for its public display of patriotism and support of the American Legion. This is the first time Los Altos has qualified for such a distinction.

“It’s a great honor,” said Bill Goss, a Korean War veteran and member of American Legion Post 558 and of the 40/8.

There’s no guarantee that any city will earn the award, even if there’s only one entry, Goss said.

“Last year, no one was named,” he said. This is the first time in Goss’ memory that Los Altos has applied for the award.

Entries must pass through three committee levels - county, Northern California and state - to be eligible.

Goss submitted an application for the honor to Santa Clara County four months ago.

American Legion Post 558, founded in Los Altos in 1938, is largely responsible for the display of American flags in front of downtown shops and in the Community Plaza. The Legion partners with local Girl Scouts who sell the flags to merchants for display as a fund-raiser. The legion supplied the 11 flags in the Community Plaza after 9/11.

Other displays of the city’s patriotism that secured the honor include: the annual July Fourth celebration and the “Cradle of Liberty” memorial in Shoup Park; Boy Scout participation in decorating veterans’ grave sites; and the 40/8 Locomotive at various children’s holiday events, including the Festival of Lights parade.

40/8 members Carlos A. Ramos, Henry “Hank” Nagao and Goss presented a golden eagle trophy from the Legion to Los Altos Aug. 26.