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The North Carolina Department of the American Legion had its District 25 meeting this past week in Murphy. The district has post in Brevard, Canton, Waynesville, Sylva, Highlands, Cherokee, Robbinsville, Franklin, Murphy and Hayesville. The Hayesville post was able to report on the accomplishments of the year and upcoming projects. The post had submitted the Hayesville Elementary, Middle And High School for Patriotic Schools Of The Year, which all three won. Post 532 also submitted the Clay County Progress for Patriotic Mass Media Of The Year, again a winner as well as Prints Plus for Patriotic Small Business, also a winner. The Post history book was a winner and moved on to the national level of competition. While they did not place on a national level, it was their first year submitting. Their monthly newsletter placed second in the state. Commander Robert Seibert also reported on the Junior Sports Shooting Program being the SCOPOS National Air Rifle League 2023 Junior Rifle Club Elite Division Second Place Team. The post lobbied to get Clay County designated as a Purple Heart Community. A 2.2 mile walk was held for suicide awareness. Beyond all of this the post Honor Guard provided multiple final salutes to local veterans, held flag folding demonstrations and replaced worn out flags around the area.
Seibert also told of the plans to sponsor at least one middle school student to Space Camp this year. There are plans to send two young men to Boys State. “We are constantly looking for ways to promote patriotism, honor current servicemen and veterans, help veterans and family and support children and youth,” Seibert said. Plans are underway for another suicide awareness walk, a Vietnam Veterans event, and the annual “Welcome Home” event for veterans.
Also, at the district meeting Seibert was chosen as the District 25 Commander of the Year. The districts next meeting will be in Brevard in May at which time they will elect a new district commander, possibly Seibert.