American Legion Post 49 celebrates continuous members at 105th birthday celebration
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – In 1919, the American Legion was formed as a way to support veterans across the United States. This year, the organization is celebrating 105 years of service.
On Tuesday evening, members of the Watauga Post 49 gathered for their regular monthly meeting, but not before celebrating this milestone.
“It’s probably the second oldest organization,” said Post Adjutant Antonio Banchs. “It’s important for veterans to know they have a place to go.”
The post also celebrated by honoring its continuous members, ranging from 5 to 55 years of membership.
“It’s amazing,” said Banchs. “The fact that we have two 55-year continuous members. We have 127 awardees tonight, cumulative 2200 years of service to the community and the legion.”
Each member said the legion gives them a sense of community.
“The camaraderie is very important,” said Phyllis Cullen, who has been part of the American Legion for 25 years. “The gathering, the caring of each other, even after all our services.”
“Veterans go out of their way to help each other,” said Allan Dunphy, a 5-year member. “Nobody stands alone.”
The veterans said the continuous members are vital to the group’s operation.
“You need to support the Legion to keep it open,” said Cullen.
“If you don’t have continuous membership, you don’t have the Legion,” said Francis ‘Lee’ Frankes, a 6-year and “paid up for life” member of the Legion. “If you have the continuous leadership, the continuous membership, everything kind of just falls right into place.”
Information about the American Legion can be found here. Information about the Watauga Post 49 can be found on its Facebook Page.
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