The old American Legion building has been through many changes over the years, but the Army tank and monument on the grounds have always been a signal of the history it preserves.
The new American Legion building rests behind the old building now, and in all the moving, the Army tank and monument were moved, too.
The monument is dedicated to all those who have served in every branch of the military and has been a pillar for the American Legion Post 118 for many, many years.
Donnie Elliott, Commander of the Post, said the tank was moved to the property in 1995 and moved to the park next door this past spring.
“We sold the old American Legion, then built a new building, so the tank and monument had to be moved,” he said. “The Old American Legion building was built in 1949 and we had operated there ever since.
“The Memorial Park next door is owned by the American Legion.” The American Legion still hosts meetings every second Monday at 7 p.m., and rents out the space.
“The meetings are primarily for members, but the public is always welcome to come,” he said. “Right now, we have a low membership, so fundraising is difficult. Membership is nationwide, and its efforts help get veterans the benefits and the rights they need.”
Daryl Hovland and his late wife, Michelle Hovland, have also been members of the Post for many years.
“Michelle organized getting the tank donated and moved to the American Legion in the beginning,” Hovland said. “I joined in 2007, but Michelle had already been member for years. I think even before 1990 and the Gulf War.”
Michelle Hovland reached out to the National Guard, filled out forms, and talked to people until the tank was officially signed over to the American Legion Post 118.
“At the time, she was the Quarter Master I believe,” Hovland said. “She would always say, ‘Thats my tank!’”
Hovland said American Legions can always request military equipment for display like that, but there are a number of safety qualifications that have to be met.
“The community really came together to make sure everything was taken care of and put into place,” he said. “For quite a while, we had to report to the government to prove that it was still in place.”
As for the monument, it is a memorial to everyone in the area who has served.
“We, as members, aim to capture history,” Hovland said. “But, we are losing members, and with that we lose the knowledge.”
Hovland said the main purpose of the local Post is to help local veterans, and the community.
“The American legion used to be a huge part of the community,” he said. “The younger generation doesn’t see the need to join civic organizations. We used to run bingo and we would give the money during the holidays. We would take names given to the OACAC of the families in need and take those families to the King Food Saver and let them shop for food, baby items, and whatever they needed.”
Additionally, on Veterans Day, the American Legion pays of all the meals of veterans at the Senior Center that day.
“We used to be able to offer $500 to people for help after house fire and other disasters,” he said. “The only qualification to join are to be a member of the Armed Forces. You don’t have to have served in combat, just any times of conflict — current times included.”
Hovland said the point is to give back to the community.
“It is well worth it to be able to give back to your community,” he said. “You never know when you meet someone you might need to help. It is only $35 per year in membership fees and we meet just once per month.”
The Monument readsMarvin “Pard” Lowe, the First Class Commander of the American Legion Post 118, said the Monument was placed in the WWII era.
“It was all moved recently for free by Monett Womack,” he said. “We also had a gentleman, C.J. Tabor who cleaned it and the tank for us.”
The Monument reads: “Dedicated to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States during war and peace. We sincerely appreciate your sacrifice and dedication to preserve the freedom of this great Nation. God will one day judge our actions. Until then he will shine on the lives of each Veteran now and forever more because He was with each of them always. He is the only one that truly knows what they went through.”
It was erected in 1992, by Irwin-Easley Post 118.
