Veterans and their families gathered on Saturday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the national American Legion, a veterans advocacy organization with local chapters across the country.
The celebration took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Community Hall, also known as the Community Building, which is home to the local chapter for Siloam Springs Post 29. The morning began with a ceremony which featured an opening prayer, the posting of the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and several speakers also attended. A lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers was served afterwards, and thereafter, community members who were interested were invited to stay and mingle with members of the Post.
Things kicked off around 10 a.m., where a ribbon cutting -- with the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce -- took place to celebrate the occasion. After some coffee and time to socialize, Post 29 Commander Jim Wilbanks approached the podium to welcome everyone and give a brief introduction. He then passed the microphone to former Post 29 Commander J.W. Smith, who gave a general overview of the history of the organization.
In an effort to recognize the efforts of the organization locally, Smith was followed by American Legion member Junior Ford, who spoke more specifically about the history of Siloam Springs Post 29. He also emphasized the significance of the role of former Post 29 members in helping to construct the facility where the organization is currently located.
Post 29's Public Relations Officer Jerry Cavness gave a brief address to the audience about programs and initiatives in which the organization currently participates. Some of these include helping to facilitate certain community programs, such as laying wreaths at veterans' graves in Oak Hill cemetery at Christmas time, the Veterans Day Parade or Memorial Day services, Cavness said.
The Post also works to make several programs available for the youth of the community, such as American Legion Baseball, flag education, drug and alcohol awareness seminars, as well as Boys State and Girls State, the latter of which is made possible by the American Legion Auxiliary.
One other person to speak was American Legion Auxiliary Post 29 President, Cheryl Jones. Jones went into further detail about the role that the Auxiliary plays within the organization, but also accentuated that the fundamental values it holds are instrumental in helping to ensure progress in perpetuity.
"The American Legion mission is, 'In the spirit of service, not self,''' Jones said. "The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion, and to honor the sacrifice of those who served, enhancing the lives of our veterans, the military, their families - those at home and abroad. For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor the youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
"The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion's plan to become the primary service organization, for every generation (and) in every community, who provides support for our veterans, our military and their families, by shaping a positive future and atmosphere that has fellowship, patriotism, peace and security. I'd like to thank you for coming, and remember, in the spirit of service, not self."
The American Legion Community Hall, or the Community Building, is located at 110 N. Mt. Olive St. As for future events, the organization plans to hold a local 100 year anniversary celebration in July to honor the occasion specifically for Post 29, but details have not yet been released, Post 29 Commander Wilbanks said. For more information, comments or questions, contact Post 29's Public Relations Officer Jerry Cavness at 479-228-3561.
General News on 03/20/2019