“The American Legion was founded March 15-17th in 1919 in Paris, France at the close of World War I. As of the New Legion Act membership is now open to all honorable veterans discharged from Dec. 7, 1941 until a time when the United States is no longer at war, as determined by Congress,” Morrison Hayes Post 702 Brent Roberts told those gathered at the Post Saturday night to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.
Later in the year Post 702 will celebrate the founding of
the local Post on November 1920.
As part of the celebration awards and plaques of
appreciation were distributed by the commanders of the Post, Sons of the
American Legion and Legion Riders. The Legion Auxiliary also recognized members
for their contributions.
Commander Roberts presented the Legion Member of the year
award to Skip Merrick for his 29-years of service, serving in the Honor Guard,
being second vice commander of the post and vice commander of the county,
chairing the Oratorical contest, and for generally serving the post.
Roberts presented the Commander’s award to Tom Farmer,
thanking him for his help and doing whatever was asked of him by the Commander.
Vice Commander Dennis White honored the American Legion
Riders who signed the original charter 10 years ago the deceased were Betty
Fay, David Johnson, Lenny Lewis and Gary Payne and presented 10-year plaques to survivors Steve
Conderman, Jon Elliot, Ed Fay, John Frungillo, Janet Marble, Skip and Jackie
Merrick, Doug Schneble, Nate and Vickie Scott, Eric and Lynda Stark, Tom Stoll,
Scott Swift, Frank White and Paul Wright.
American Legion Commander Fred Roberts presented the Sons of
the American Legion of the Year award to brothers, Tyler and Joey Dickerson.
Post 702 Legion Auxiliary President Sandy Smith and Yvonne
Simons presented the Auxiliary Member of the Year award to Cathy Neugent for
her work cooking and baking for events and fund raisers throughout the year.
The Auxiliary President’s Award was presented to Jan Riley
for her 48-year membership in the Auxiliary.
