My Fourth of July ‘On The Record Column’ questioned the patriotism of local residents, how they live that out and where they stand on the national news about the veteran’s association and the border crisis.
I said, ‘I need your stories. I need you to stand up. I need to let the public know that your patriotism is more than picnics and fireworks.’
The Morgantown American Legion Post 537, on Twin Valley Road, submitted a statement from the Post Commander Roger Jacobs along with members’ comments about the Legion and how it reflects patriotism and a sense of belonging in their lives and in the Tri County Area.
A statement from our Commander Post 537
It’s more than our nation’s birthday, fireworks and picnics. Coming from a patriotic family, it means patriotism and what our founding fathers have done for us. In this country, man is born with certain God-given rights. Our soldiers and veterans fight for this every day.
Our Legion is like a big family. We all honor our veterans, past and present. We will sit there and laugh with each other, cry with each other, disagree with each other, but in the end we are always there for each other. I am very proud of the Sons of the American Legion, the Ladies Auxiliary and our Legion Riders. They all work hard towards bettering the post.
God Bless AmericaCommander Roger Jacobs – MORGANTOWN
Jacobs also noted that the following Theodore Roosevelt quote exemplifies the Legion’s stance on immigration:
‘In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American… There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… And we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is a loyalty to the American people.’
Comments from the members of Post 537
The Legion is a family. We have fun together, and we have each other’s backs. Actually, that’s more than some families do for each other. And of course we love the USA. I’m so glad I became part of Post 537.
Melissa Tillman Seifert – MORGANTOWN
We are blown away by how much you (the Legion) do. Not a lot of people give up their free time to raise money for amazing causes.
You are an awesome family of ONE and we are happy to know the great people of Post 537.
Marc & Beth Klapach – MOHNTONOne of the best things I’ve done was to join this Legion.
Robert Robb – MORGANTOWNGood times, great people and amazing contributions to deserving causes.
Marisa Drey – MOHNTONSince the first day that Mary and I walked into the Legion we have felt like a big family we were immediately taken in with open arms. We love you guys.
John Gonsorick – MORGANTOWNPost 537 brings many people together for many different reasons. The social aspect of the club is amazing. When you walk in, you are welcomed; when you leave, goodbyes are said. Where else can you go walk away from here, drink and money, and not have to worry about someone messing with it. Personally, I have met many new friends being a member of Post 537. I know I would not have gotten to know these people outside of the club. The Post is a much bigger role than just having a place to go. That is volunteering, getting involved with the activities of the post. I think we realize one thing, we are one family and we focus on common goals, community, honor, remembrance and continued devotion to our fellow service members and the Veterans.
Gary Smith – MORGANTOWNOur Legion is a place where I can sit with four generations of men and women that serviced this great country as I did. It’s a place where you never get tired of hearing Lee Greenwood sing God Bless the USA.
Mike Nowotarski – Adjutant Post 537, MOHNTON
Reporter’s note: when they play the song ‘God Bless The USA’ by Lee Greenwood, everyone in the Post raises their glass and stands up and sings the chorus.
Thank you Post 537 for standing up and sharing with the Tri County Record. Thank you for your service.
Carol Quaintance is a correspondent for the Tri County Record. In addition to writing about local happenings and people, Carol writes a monthly On the Record column. Email at quaintancecarol@gmail.com or the editor at editor@tricountyrecord.com. Visit us on the web at www.berksmontnews.com. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TriCountyRecord.
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