American Legion celebrates 91 years

The American Legion will observe its 91st birthday anniversary Wednesday.

Legionaries of J.C. Price American Legion Post 107 are planning a gala celebration of this significant milestone. Cmdr. Ollie M. Carroll announced the appointment of a special committee, under the chairmanship of Comrade Charlie Rankin to direct the local observance, which will feature a patriotic program, refreshments, birthday cake and a ceremonial initiation of new members. Robert Curlee, service officer for American Legion Post 255 in Lexington, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

The festivities at American Legion Post 107 are part of celebrations at the more than 16,000 American Legion Posts throughout the United States and in many other parts of the world.

The American Legion was founded March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, at the close of World War I.

Representatives of the various units of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I were present for the first meeting. The organization now includes veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars, the Lebanon/ Grenada periods, Operation Just Cause in Panama and Desert Storm, Cmdr. Carroll said.

Carroll extended an invitation to all eligible veterans of Rowan County to become Legionaries.

"The American Legion continues to concern itself with major issues facing American's Veterans, as well as our fellow citizens," he said. "Of particular concern to the Legion is the well-being of families of armed service personnel serving in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. At the same time, we are also an organization deeply rooted in the fundamentals of service to the community. Our most important accomplishments occur here in the Rowan County community. We sponsor events for our youth, and provide volunteer service to the VA Hospital. Our Post also sponsors events for crime prevention with our youth involved with some hands-on experience."

The Post sponsors Halloween and Easter events for youth.

The American Legion, since its founding, has strived to assist veterans, their widows and children, and their fellow citizens. The organization was responsible for the creation of the GI Bill of Rights, used by millions of veterans to obtain assistance in education an home loans. The nation's largest veterans organization, the American Legion fought for passage of legislation creating a Department of Veterans Affairs and for passage of the Veterans Reassurance Act, designed to correct existing inequities in veterans claim procedures.

The work of the American Legion to support the nation's youth continues to grow as more young people become involved in Legion-sponsored programs. The Boy Scouts, Boys' State Program, Student Trooper Program, American Legion Baseball and the National High School Oratorical Contest are just a few examples of how the American Legion continues to strive to provide the youth of America a solid foundation on which to grow.