This Wednesday, March 13, 2024, our post will joyfully celebrate another American Legion Birthday. We will bring together Legionnaires, Unit members and Squadron members to celebrate and dine together in a homey, welcoming atmosphere. In a fortunate coincidence, The American Legion’s 105th birthday is also Post 501’s 69th birthday.

Looking back over this short span brings wonderful memories to mind. We’ve always tried to entertain our members with well-cooked food, and also to educate them by inviting guest speakers who are leaders in their own posts and communities.
In 2018, we heard Wisconsin 11th District Commander Frank Kostka speak about reaching across Districts in order to help our fellow veterans. In the same meeting, Auxiliary Unit 501 President Rebecca Lovell gave a well-received presentation, followed by a ceremony awarding members their Continuous Service Certificates. This is a good and right thing to do at this anniversary.

In 2019, we hosted Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan, Past National Auxiliary President to be our guest speaker. What a great way this was to learn the Auxiliary’s plans for their members, now and in the future. At this same 2019 celebration event, our Past National Commander Denise Rohan was our guest and provided us with additional insights from The American Legion perspective.

We are constantly reminded of the importance of hearing others’ ideas and accomplishments as we improve our efforts of serving veterans. The American Legion Birthday is a fine time to celebrate.