Honoring the fallen and the American Legion this Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day – a day designated for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Well over a century ago, a local boy made that very sacrifice, and his memory lives on as the namesake of the local American Legion post.

Thanks to Betty Westby, the former Secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 30 has a detailed history of their past dating back to their creation in the early 20th century.

The Raymond B. Thorn Post 30 of The American Legion was first chartered on Friday, August 29, 1919, with 45 original members.

Their first meeting was held at New Rockford City Hall on October 13, 1919, where a committee was appointed to find a permanent meeting hall. In the years that followed they'd meet at multiple locations – at the fireman's room in city hall, the pool hall, the Masonic Hall, and even the Cootie Club Room in the Blackstone Bar.

The post's first officers were Guy Bervig as commander; W.C. Goerner as vice commander; W.F. Caverly as post adjutant; C.L. Wheeler as finance officer; W.F. Bailey as sergeant-at-arms; E. McQuire as chaplain; and E.C. Forstein as historian.

Over the years, the American Legion made numerous investments into the New Rockford community. In 1935, for example, Post 30 petitioned county commissioners to file an application for a $50,000 memorial building, which became a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project.

The building is now known as the Brown Memorial Auditorium, which is operated by the city as a public facility.

Just over a decade later – in 1945 – the Legion's current building was purchased and became their permanent home.

Throughout its history, the post has played an important role in the local community.

According to their website, "The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service.

"The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation."

Here in Eddy County, Post #30 still supports youth baseball, and they recently sponsored the construction of a new warming house for the park district.

The American Legion Auxiliary has also paid for new landscaping at the veterans memorial last year, and hosts a veterans day breakfast every year.

This memorial day, Post #30 is hosting a ceremony to honor and remember those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at All Veterans Park in New Rockford, near the flagpole.

The ceremony will include music, readings, the laying of the wreath and a gun salute, and will later conclude at the cemetery.