Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Post 127 President Jeanne Paustian, right, presents a patriotic birthday cake to Post Commander Ron Busch on March 18 in honor of the Legion’s 105th birthday this year. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted the annual Legion Birthday Party on March 18. Unit President Jeanne Paustian stated that the American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. The American Legion was founded on four pillars of Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. There are nearly 2,000,000 members of The American Legion, making it the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization. The American Legion has thousands of Posts in communities throughout the United States. We are happy to say that Post 127 is one of them and we are here to celebrate the 105 birthday of the American Legion.

After the meal, Unit Legislative Chairman Kay Lowry gave her annual report on veteran’s bills being presented to Congress including the Public Health Service Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. Many bills being considered have to do with suicide prevention, homelessness, and medical services for our veterans.

Americanism Chairman Lisa Reinhard began her annual Americanism report with this quote from President John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, you must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” She reported on the Veterans Day Program held at Westbrook Acres and at the Post, the first day of school flag raising at GMG, the flag disposal box, and planting red, white, & blue flowers at the Memorial Building.

For the program, a video of pictures was created about the 100-plus-year history of the Gladbrook Post. It is amazing what has all been accomplished for our community and our veterans. Many pictures brought tears to our eyes to see our fellow deceased veterans. Terri Luehring created the video.

The veterans proudly stood for their military song played by Ann Vibbard and led by Pat Clausen. The evening ended with President Jeanne presenting a patriotic birthday cake to Post Commander Ron Busch, and standing, holding hands, and singing “God Bless America.”

Hostesses were Maxine Bottema, Cynthia Eggers, and Andrea Jordan.