On Saturday, August 24, Boyce Aten American Legion Post 25 in Imperial County, California - in the city of El Centro - celebrated its 100th anniversary of service.
Approximately 130 distinguished guests, members and public were in attendance. Post 25 member, jr. past Dept. of CA vice cmdr.-Area 5 and MC Tracy "T-Dog" Rascoe started promptly at noon by recognizing distinguished guests and welcoming everyone.
Post chaplain Marko "Polo" King conducted the invocation (and later the benediction), followed by 72-year-old Vietnam veteran and PUFL member Robert "Bob" Candland. Bob spoke of the great history of the post and his upbringing within as his mother was post commander in 1959 - the first and only female Post 25 commander to date!
Bob handed over the gavel to current 30-year-old Post 25 commander, Desert Storm veteran and Marine Miguel "Mike" Lizarraga. Mike spoke of taking the post to the next 100 years of service. Later, they both cut the celebratory cake and served a slice to one another.
Special guest 56th District Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia spoke of the great work of The American Legion and the post. He presented beautifully framed proclamations to celebrate The American Legion and Boyce Aten Post 25's 100 years of service.
The event also included an extremely solemn Post Everlasting ceremony to Albert "Boyce Aten," the post namesake, who was the first person from Imperial County killed while serving in WWI. He died from shrapnel received while fighting the enemy in the Argonne Forest of France.
The post was also honored to receive proclamations and/or recognitions from Congressman Juan Vargas, State Senator Ben Hueso, Imperial County Board of Supervisors, El Centro City Council and Imperial City Council.
After the ceremony, free hot dogs, chips, apple pie and cake was served from the post "Grams Cafe" and many children enjoyed face painting in the hall. Later that evening, members and guests enjoyed karaoke and entertainment in the Club 25 Lounge.

https://www.kyma.com/news/the-american-legion-celebrates-its-centennial/...

https://www.thedesertreview.com/eedition/page-a/page_e392dfb0-70bd-5bcd-...

Additional pictures may be found at https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost25ElCentroCa/