Left to right top- Dennis Cole, Don Couiliard, George Maciejewski, Guy Patterson, New Commander Randy Bruntjens, John Pickard, Bill Germain, Jeff Ware, Dave Bender. Front Row- Steve Viau, Robert Snowaert.

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone August Mattson Sons of the American Legion Squad #71 were recently honored with a certificate and flag ribbon commemorating the achievement of 100 percent in membership and continued donation of one dollar per member to the child welfare club.

Every squadron that achieves 100 percent by Detachment convention in June will receive the award which will be displayed in the Post club room.

There is also a certificate and flag banner that the squadron can keep in its files for the history of the squadron.

The Michigan Sons of the American Legion are making great strides in the American Legion programs, Helping the local posts and working with the community. The Sons of the American Legion was founded for preserving the American Legion traditions and programs while improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

New officers of the Gladstone Squadron have been nominated and elected for the upcoming year and they continue to be active in the community.

Officers and members are involved in a wide range of activities from the annual Flag Retirement to honoring veterans on Memorial Day festivities by placing flags on graves at the Fernwood Cemetery and P.O.W./M.I.A. Day and Veterans Day in the fall.

The annual Croatian Chicken dinner proceeds go to the Gladstone Salvation Army Food Pantry every Christmas season.

The Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Michigan represents over 26,000 members in the state.

They were founded in 1932 as a program of the American Legion. Sons, Sons and Grandsons and Great Grandsons of Veterans, both living or deceased are eligible to join the Sons. Squad #71 meets every second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at 802 Delta Ave. Gladstone.