American Legion members attending the Spearfish American Legion Annual Birthday Ball.

 

Spearfish post celebrates American Legion birthday with a ball

Spearfish, SD

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.


During the ball, members honored 13 local WWII veterans. Six were present to receive a coin, certificate and service pin from the South Dakota Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman, Lawrence County Veterans Service Officer Jesse Ketzer, and Post 164 Commander Doug Henwood.

It was an awesome evening spent celebrating the 99th birthday of The American Legion.

The Spearfish American Legion Ball is a hit in the community. Bringing veterans and community members together to celebrate The American Legion's birthday.

Members of the Black Hills Chapter of American Legion Riders (#164) performed the POW/MIA Ceremony.

The ballroom set up and ready.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel and American Legion member Mike Kain presented a WWII veteran with a patriotic quilt made by his wife in honor of her father, a WWII veteran.

Guests enjoyed viewing a large display of WWII memorabilia provided by Legion member Dave Dutton.
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