The American Legion
BROKEN BOW - In the midst of uncertain times when some of the very foundations of our society are being challenged, the American Legion steadfastly holds to its principals. One of the main activities that espouses those principle is presenting the Colors.
Members of Broken Bow Palmer-Lomax Post 126 and Sons of the American Legion present the colors before every American Legion baseball game. In addition, members carry the U.S. flag in community parades as well as provide Honor Guard for veteran burials.
“The thing I’m most proud of is the Honor Guard for funerals,” Post 126 Commander Roger Wenquist said.
Gene Hendricks, Adjutant for Post 126, said the four pillars of the Legion are Veteran affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and children and youth. The Legion sponsors juniors in high school to attend Boys State and Junior Law Academy. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors candidates for Girls State and Junior Law Academy.
The American Legion was started by Doughboys (American WWI troops) in France. The Broken Bow post was started in 1919. Additional posts in the Custer County area include Ansley, Arnold, Callaway, Comstock, Mason City, Merna, Oconto and Sargent. The units work together to present the colors for community events. It’s said that the Color Guard at last year’s Comstock 4th of July parade was a block long. “It outnumbered the population of Comstock,” Chris Ogle, Sons of the American Legion said. Hendricks said the Color Guard at Arcadia for Labor Day was also huge.
Since 1941, the American Legion has been opened to any U.S. veteran who is honorably discharged. Last year, membership criteria was changed to accept veterans of any time period. Prior to that, veterans had to serve during combats years to become a member.
For those who are not veterans but who have connections to veterans, the Auxiliary provides a way to actively support the Legion.
In addition, the Sons of the American Legion is open to those who can document that father, grandfather or other forefather served in the military.
The Central Sandhills American Legion Riders started in 2009 and, according to Wenquist, is one of the most successful programs the Legion has locally. It started with about 20 members and currently has about 80.
In a time when it’s easy to become discouraged with the state of society, the American Legion and the Colors they carry can continue to be symbols of pride and hope. Hendricks said, “When I look up into the stands and see people standing with hands on their hearts, I have a lot of confidence in this part of the country.”