Twin Valley 2014 graduates Nick Gardocki and Keith Gehman were the first winners of American Legion Post 537, $1,000 scholarships for their ‘Patriotism Essays’.
In April Post 537 celebrated their 60th birthday. ‘This year we are initiating a new tradition to honor Twin Valley graduates with an annual scholarship that fosters patriotism,’ said Lenny Creitz, Legion Trustee.
‘Tuesday May 27, the two students came to the Legion and read their essays to the members of the post. It was a very proud and heartwarming evening,’ said Historian Linda Jacobs.
Roger Jacobs, Legion Commander said, ‘Listening to the students read their essays brought tears to our eyes.’ The room was filled with many members who came out to participate in the ceremony.
The essays were very positive and spoke to the values of our country and how great America is. Who better then young graduates to instill and inspire patriotism in this great country?
On an emotional note Linda added, ‘Our Vets have died for our country and some are being pushed by the wayside.’ The American Legion stands behind the veterans.
‘Small but Mighty,’ said Linda Jacobs. ‘The Post has a membership of close to 500 members and are very active in the local community as well as very philanthropic.’
This past Memorial Day they honored war veterans by laying a wreath at all local cemeteries and placing a flag on the graves of all deceased military.
They also sponsor ‘Wreaths Across America’ and are one of the largest contributors for Indiantown Gap Cemetery. In addition they sponsor Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corp. who travel across America to honor veterans.
This past weekend was a big success and celebration for the ‘Morgantown Legion Riders’. They sponsored a Bike Show at the post in Morgantown. Awards and trophies were given for bikes. A nice array of music and food vendors were there to please the crowd and add to the festivities.
In addition to the Legionnaires who are all veterans, there are also several affiliated groups: The Ladies Auxiliary; The Sons of the Legionnaires (those whose fathers, mothers, grandparents etc. have served their country); The Morganton Legion Riders, and also a social membership available to the community.
For more information or to join their group stop by and visit them at 4499 N Twin Valley Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543 or call 610-286-5920.
June 14 is their Veterans’ Appreciation luncheon. Free to all Veterans, doors are open to all Veterans, even if you are not a member. A flag retirement ceremony will also take place that day. The clam bake and chicken BBQ is changed to July 12. All are welcome.
