VERSAILLES — The American Legion Post #435 located in Versailles received its charter on July 20, 1921. Members of the post are planning a 100-year celebration to be held July 16 and 17, 2021. A public ceremony at 7 p.m. will begin the weekend jubilee. The program will include presentation of colors and an Honor Guard Salute to the Legion’s deceased members. Everyone is invited to socialize and join in an entertaining evening of Karaoke in the Bunker.
Saturday’s events start at 1 p.m. with games throughout the afternoon and plenty of time for socializing. At 6 p.m. there will be a meal for all Legion members wishing to attend. The meal will consist of hamburgers, brats, potato salad, coleslaw, and assorted desserts. The meal will be RSVP only for American Legion Post #435 members, their spouses, and the widows of the post’s deceased members. Members will also be invited to attend the Commander’s Ball with entertainment provided by DJ Karen “Moose” Holsapple.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth.
Commemorative T-shirts have been designed and are available for $15. It is the Legion’s vision to see a number of these shirts worn at Poultry Days 2021 therefore orders will be filled prior to June 5. There will be a second delivery date prior to the Centennial in July. The shirt can be seen in the photo modeled by Past Commander and longtime Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Barga. Available in adult sizes small to 5X. Shirts can be ordered by contacting Luke Stachler at 937/548-2411 or [email protected] or by placing your order in the Bunker (basement) of the Versailles Vets Club. The Bunker opens Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Their number is 937-526-5959.
