Post 197 and Veterans Honored for 70 years for Serving the Community

Shown l-r is Past Commander Hallie Williams-Bey, Anna Matthews, Post Commander Fred Matthews, Vernelle Smith, Chaplain Fred Humphries, Veterans Affairs Director Bill Spann, Past Commander Joann Miller, Past Commander Reginald Lawrence, Harold Baldwin, COJ Veterans Affairs Rep Ken Johnson.
Shown l-r is Past Commander Hallie Williams-Bey, Anna Matthews, Post Commander Fred Matthews, Vernelle Smith, Chaplain Fred Humphries, Veterans Affairs Director Bill Spann, Past Commander Joann Miller, Past Commander Reginald Lawrence, Harold Baldwin, COJ Veterans Affairs Rep Ken Johnson.
Shown l-r is Past Commander Hallie Williams-Bey, Anna Matthews, Post Commander Fred Matthews, Vernelle Smith, Chaplain Fred Humphries, Veterans Affairs Director Bill Spann, Past Commander Joann Miller, Past Commander Reginald Lawrence, Harold Baldwin, COJ Veterans Affairs Rep Ken Johnson.

by Reginald Lawrence

On Monday April 10, American Legion Post 197 celebrated its 70th Birthday of service to the community and the City of Jacksonville by accepting a Mayoral Proclamation from City of Jacksonville Director of Veterans Affairs Bill Spann, at City Hall. The proclamation was in recognition of the services and programs sponsored by Post 197 for over 70 years of service since becoming an American Legion Chapter in 1947. Occasion speaker, Reginald Lawrence highlighted multiple Post 197 services, educational and character-building programs which include the Boys and Girls State Oratorical Contest for local high schools, and an Awards Programs geared towards building character amongst local youth in the Jacksonville communities. Post 197 was further highlighted for their annual free holiday events offered to the community to needy families, during the summer months, fall and winter holidays of the year.

Post Commander Fred Matthews accepted the proclamation on behalf of all the legionnaires both past and present and thanked them for their military service to the nation and dedication to continue that service with American Legion Post 197. Next up for Post 197 is their upcoming 70th anniversary celebration scheduled for April 21-22 with a weekend of anniversary festivities featuring an open house, cookout, anniversary dinner and a concert featuring Grammy award winning artist Jeffrey Osborne.

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