Letter from Roger Lankford

Dear Editor:
Greetings from American Legion Post 285, Hamilton.
I would like to introduce the American Legion Post 285 in Hamilton. Now that the eligibility has changed with the Legion Act, signed into law July 30, 2019, the period of eligibility now starts Dec. 7, 1941, to an ending date yet to be determined. This means that persons who have served since Dec. 7, 1941, and received an honorable discharge are now eligible to become members of the American Legion Post nearby.
This now applies to men and women, regardless where stationed during the eligibility period. Post 285 already has a woman member who is part of the Honor Guard.
Previously, one had to receive a commendation award for a specific period or situation involving armed conflict.
Post 285 meets in the American Legion Hall in Hamilton, near the school buildings, on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. for a meal, with the meeting at 7 p.m.
The post is active in the community, performing such acts as posting and retrieving the American flag on the various ‘flag days’ on the main streets of Hamilton. On Veterans Day, the Honor Guard fires three volleys out of respect for the ‘fallen veterans’ at the cemetery in Hamilton. Post 285 has led some parades down main street of Hamilton, such as opening day at the Steam Engine Exposition. Post 285 also provides the Honor Guard for the Veterans’ funeral either at the funeral home or cemetery at various locations: Chillicothe, Dawn, Gallatin, Hamilton, Altamont, Cameron, and Amity, just to name a few.
The American Legions Auxiliary has a similar function for the male and female spouses of the Legionnaires. They meet at the same location on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Feel free to contact me regarding the various functions of Post 285. My email is: [email protected]. Hopefully, I will see you as new members soon.
Roger Lankford, First Vice Commander