The Spearfish American Legion Family hosted a ball on March 17 celebrating the 99th birthday of The American Legion. The ball was modeled after a military "dining-out." Keynote speakers were American Legion National Vice Commander Byron Callies and USAF Col. Bernard Hatch III, Commander, 28th Maintenance Group at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. A special ceremony was held in honor of area WWII veterans. Coins, certificates and service pins were presented by South Dakota's Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman, Lawrence County Veteran Service Officer Jesse Ketzer and Post 164 Commander Doug Henwood. Dave Dutton, a retired U.S. Army colonel and American Legion member, set up and displayed a large collection of WWII memorabilia. After the program, members enjoyed a social and dance. Proceeds from the ball will be used toward sending local students to Boys and Girls State. We're looking forward to the 100th next year; come and join us in Spearfish, S.D., on March 15, 2019. For information please email information@SpearfishAmericanLegion.org.