American Legion recruiting new members

r The American Legion has been a patriotic community service organization of veterans since it was founded in 1919. There are local units in Springville, Spanish Fork and Payson. American Legion members are most visible as Honor Guards at funeral services where they fold the flag and present it to the family. They play Taps, which is really impressive when done with an echo. They also do the rifle salute. American Legion members also participate in community parades. In addition to supporting the needs of veterans, they also support Boys and Girls State programs, which teach how government works, and a scholarship contest for high school students. The American Legion is an organization for community good as well as a veterans’ organization.

The commander of the Springville Unit, Fred Hurst, is in need of younger veterans to join as members of the American Legion. If you are a veteran of the Kosovo War, the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan or the Iraq War, here is a calling for you to join the local unit of the American Legion as thousands from previous wars have done. However, you do not have to be a veteran of a hostility to be a member; any veteran can join. There is currently a critical need for buglers because the American Legion averages two funerals a week.

The unit has monthly meetings and the dues are $35 per year. Call Fred Hurst at 801-704-9256 for more information about joining.

The May meeting of the Springville American Legion Unit is on May 10 and will be a spaghetti dinner event. This will be held at the Springville Senior Center at 7 p.m. and all veterans and spouses are invited. The dinner is $10 per person and you need to RSVP to Fred Hurst at 801-704-9256 or Richard Money at 801-489-4018 by May 5.

The American Legion is planning a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 29 at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery located just west of Highway 89 at 1997 S. 400 East.