The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Donna Pindell, The Quill
On April 22, the Henderson County American Legion held a ceremony at the American Legion Post #765 Hall in Stronghurst.
Friends, family and the Legion family gathered to honor three 50-year members as well as celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion organization.
Commander Jim Blender opened the night by asking everyone to join him in pledging allegiance to the flag. Commander Blender then read a short synopsis of the origination of the American Legion.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization which focused on service to veterans, service members and communities.
Today the American Legion membership stands at over 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.
Almost eighty-five plus years ago, on August 23, 1934 at the Stronghurst Town Hall, the Stronghurst American Legion Post #765 was formed.
Later the name changed to the Henderson County American Legion Post #765.
The Legion is very active with our youth through Boys State, American Legion Baseball and sponsoring Boy Scout troops.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of 50-year membership certificates to three of the Post #765 members. Ralph Tatge, Bill Sullivan and Phil Malcolm (absent) were awarded certificates for their dedication and service to our country for the last 50 years.
After the presentation, everyone was invited to enjoy cake served by the Unit #765 Auxiliary. The Legion held their normal monthly meeting after the ceremony.
from left, American Legion members Ralph Tatge and Bill Sullivan, were presented certificates by Commander Jim Blender (right) along with Phil Malcom (absent) for their dedication and service to our country for the last 50 years.
Members of the Henderson County American Legion who were present in Stronghurst Monday evening for the 100th birthday of the American Legion of the United States of America are from left:
Dan Kane, Norm Menzenberg, Jerry Malcolm, Jim Blender, Bill Sullivan, Luanna Mynatt, Larry Morland, Lloyd Hubler, Ralph Torrance, Randy Jarvis, and Ralph Tatge.