Legion Celebrates One Hundred Years of Service

For one hundred years old, the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary are aging quite well.

The organization was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran's organization focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities. Evolving from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I, the legion has grown into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States with membership standing at over 2 million and 13,000 posts worldwide, according to http://www.legion.org.

The Legion Auxiliary is currently the world's largest women's patriotic service organization. The mission of the auxiliary is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who have served and are currently serving.

Bedford/Blair County resides in the 21st District of the American Legion and the Bedford Blair Bi-County Council of the American Legion Auxiliary of the Department of Pennsylvania. Both organizations continue to be active in their communities, participating in veteran programs and community service.

The 21st District holds the Wing Fest in Hollidaysburg over the summer months, raising funds for legion programs. Most posts hold Veterans Day ceremonies and will answer the call when a local veteran needs assistance. Both the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary have presences at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona and the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home holding activities and special events such as sponsoring outings of fishing, local baseball games and visits to regional legion posts.

They are also active in sending area youth to the Keystone Boy State and Girls State Program and sponsor youth at the Pennsylvania State Police youth week. Youth are also encouraged to participate in the Americanism Essay Contest and Oratorical Program.

The 21st District and the Bedford/Blair Council will host a weekend celebration on July 26 and 27. The festivities will begin with a Centennial Gala July 26 at the Bedford American Legion, Bedford.

This event is open to American Legion family members and guests. On July 27, a parade to honor the legionnaires and auxiliary volunteers will be held at 2 p.m. in downtown Hollidaysburg.

Any organization interested in participating should contact Dan Cunningham via email at [email protected].

A picnic at the Fort Fetter American Legion Park at 5 p.m. will close out celebration events.

Both the parade and picnic are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at any American Legion Post in Bedford or Blair counties

For more information, please contact Lynne Akers at 832-3208.