Montgomery Legion will celebrate 100 years

The American Legion, both nationally and in Montgomery, was chartered in 1919.

The organization started out as a group “of war weary veterans,” according to the Legion’s online history page, www.legion.org/history, so it makes sense that many of the group’s first items of business was to line up dances—happy occasions for themselves and the community.

This Saturday, the Montgomery American Legion will be celebrating its 100 years in the same manner—a party, complete with a dance. And, everyone is invited.

The celebration will start at noon on August 10 at the local Legion with a bean bag tournament. There will be food, refreshments, and two bands, the Charlie Sticha Band and the Nite Time Boogie Band, with music starting at 3:30 p.m.

“The American Legion is still important today, and it’s important to recognize the history of the organization and the bond the Legion has to Montgomery and the people here,” stated Montgomery Legion Commander Corey Kotek.

Currently the local Legion is 183 members strong, but at one time, Post 79 had more than 280 members.

“The Legion has a strong core of people right now, but we’re hoping that the recent change to eligibility passed by Congress that allows service members who have served after December 7, 1941, to join will help grow our numbers,” Kotek explained.

Prior to this ruling, Legion membership was available only to those who served during a designated war era.

“More members will make for a stronger voice for all veterans and will strengthen our work on Capital Hill for programs, bills, and other veteran-related issues,” Kotek stated.

In addition to the support the Montgomery Legion provides veterans, the organization continues to support the local community through scholarships, providing youth opportunities, financial donations, and providing its clubroom for community events.

“The Legion gives veterans access to programs and services, but it also provides a way for....

To see more on this story pick up the August 8, 2019 print edition of the Messenger.