The American Legion JR Lanier Post 27 and its Sons of the American Legion Squadron 27 honored their veteran brothers and sisters at Oak Hill and Burnt Church Cemeteries. The members posted gravesite flags, renewed worn flags and posted on graves with no flags.
“We honor those who have gone before us. There are veterans here from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror. So long as there is a Post 27, we will be here on Veterans Day and Memorial Day to update and renew,” Commander Dan Awtrey said.
For the first time ever, Post 27 has a new Sons of the American Legion Squadron helping. The Squadron was formed in June and is composed of male descendants of veterans who have served since Dec 1941 to the present day.
“It’s a good thing we are passing this along to the next generation, those we honor have led the way and we legionnaires have done our part and now is the time to teach and honor service to our nation,” Legionnaire Larry McGowan said. “We are so glad to expand the legion family we are working on establishing the Auxiliary as well so female descendants can join in with us too; and now for the first time we are working with Wreaths Across America to put holiday wreaths at as many veterans graves as we can sponsor,” Vice Commander Sally Rejas said.
Post 27 is a non-profit all volunteer veterans’ group. Its members have all served during war time eras and many are combat veterans. In its 25 years, the Post has had children and youth programs as its most notable focus with scholarship and Boys State leading the way.
The Post also does veteran outreach and homeless support and did its first community food drive this spring.
If you are a veteran and would like to know more about American Legion programs or would like to join, you can find out more at www.legion.org or email jhellissr27@yahoo.com If you would like to donate to the Wreaths Across America program you can visit the Wreaths Across America Post 27 website.
Donations must be received by November 28 and are $17 per wreath. If you would like to dedicate one to a certain person contact Vide Commander Sally Rejas at sallyrejas@yahyoo.com.