By Mitchell Shields
Guest Writer
January is the beginning of a new membership year for the American Legion. Nearly 106 years ago saw the birth of the largest veteran’s service organization in the U.S. World War I had ended and our troops saw a need for support, encouragement, comradeship and education.
On March 15, 1919 the American Legion was born out of chaos, pain and suffering and on Sept. 16, 1919 the American Legion was granted a charter by the Congress of the United States.
Now as then, the American Legion is controlled by the local legion post. There is a National Headquarters but it is the local post who does all the work relating to meeting the needs of local veterans and their families. It is the local post who provides the fellowship for veterans and their families. It is the members of the local post who understand the challenges that warriors face when returning to civilian life. It is the local post members who are willing and ready to share their experiences in hopes of making civilian life and life after active duty easier.
The American Legion George Lee Post 532, P.O. Box 22, Hayesville, N.C., is the local post for all of Clay County veterans. From World War II through the War on Terrorism and beyond tomorrow you need a place to be heard, a place to be accepted, a place to be supported, a place to be encouraged, a place to continue to serve this great nation and Post 532 is that place.
Come get to know us and let us get to know you. It would be our honor to have you make our family of warriors your family.
We meet the last Tuesday of each month at the Clay County Community Services Building, 25 Riverside Circle.
All veterans are invited to join us at 6 p.m. for a meal and fellowship, followed by a meeting.
Membership provides you an opportunity to guide future leaders through participation in Vets in the Class; honoring deceased veterans and families through the Honor Guard; educating and reminding the public through patriotic events; developing leadership skills through the Junior Shooting Sports Program. You could be the one who just listens and makes a difference in a veteran’s life.
For additional membership information or general questions about George Lee Post 532 contact one of the following: Post Commander Robert Seibert (828) 644-8497 or Post Adjutant Mitchell Shields (828) 360-5049.
You may send emails to: alpost532.adj@gmail.com.