American Legion Post #13 marks America’s 250th Anniversary
A large crowd attended the American Legion Post #13’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary last week. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
Post #13 Commander Lane McRae (foreground) recognized visiting dignitaries and welcomed the crowd to the celebration. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
American Legion Post #13 hosted a memorable Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary on Thursday evening, July 9, drawing a large crowd to the post headquarters on Harry Byrd Highway for an evening of food, fellowship, and patriotic reflection.
The Legion hall was filled with community members, Legion families, and several notable local officials. Among those in attendance were Darlington County Sheriff Michael August and his wife, Pam; Interim Darlington City Manager Ronnie Ward (veteran and Legion member) and his wife, Susan; Darlington County Councilmember Angie Godbold and her husband, Ken; and Darlington City Councilmember John Segars (veteran and Legion member) and his wife, Jill, along with numerous Legion members, local citizens and their spouses.
Post #13 Commander Lane McRae opened the program by welcoming the sizable crowd and offering a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by generations past — sacrifices that have shaped the nation now celebrating a milestone 250 years of independence.
Legion Post #210 member and Veterans Affairs official Mr. Jimmy Williams and his wife visited especially to take part in the event.
The evening’s program was enriched by musical performances from Mr. Stan Thompson and Dr. Andy Cohen, whose contributions added a fitting, reflective tone to the festive patriotic celebration. Mr. Wilbur Vaughn offered the blessing before the crowd sat down to a delicious barbeque dinner from South of Pearl Restaurant.
A highlight of the night came when Commander McRae presented Certificates of Appreciation to two members of the News & Press staff: Editor Stephan Drew and Customer Service Representative Phyllis Caples. The certificates recognized their diligent efforts to cover local news and sports throughout the year. McRae expressed the Legion’s gratitude for the newspaper’s extensive coverage of Darlington County and its role in positively promoting not only the American Legion but all of the local events and organizations.
Following dinner, attendees enjoyed a raffle and the distribution of door prizes, capping off an evening that brought the community together in celebration of both local service and national heritage. Post #13 Vice-Chairman George Kreisher, always ready with a lighthearted remark, brought laughter to the crowd before solemnly reminding them of the price of liberty and our duty to maintain and uphold it in the future.
Post #13’s celebration served as a fitting tribute not only to the country’s 250th anniversary, but also to the local individuals and organizations who continue to serve and strengthen the Darlington community.