To the Journal editor:

We are the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion. We belong to Lillian Larson Post #114 Greenwood in West Ishpeming. We wish to thank our community for their continued support.

e have always placed veterans and children and youth as our priority projects. Between the Michigan Veterans Home – Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Honor Flight, American Legion Baseball, local scholarships and parties, such as our Kid’s Community Christmas Party and the American Legion Family picnic, we work very hard to plan and support these programs with your continued patronage.

Now we ask for your help again. Like most businesses, COVID-19 has hit us really hard with reduction of sales, hall rentals, profits and most especially members. With the cost of doing business increasing, we have stayed open most of the last two years.

Even though we are a members only Service Organization, there are many times when we are open to the public. These include our breakfast buffets, hamburger night, Corona Car Show, blood drives, craft shows, pool and horseshoe leagues and Kid’s Community Christmas Party.

Also, members are allowed to bring and sign in their friends as guests. So, there are many times when you can support us by attending these events. If you wish to make a monetary donation to our Legion family, we would be very appreciate and will put it to good use.

Are you eligible to join our Legion family? Our enrollment dates have changed and the Auxiliary also accepts spouses of female veterans as members. Please come in and check this out. We would love to have you as a member.

We have a beautiful reception hall that can seat 250+ people. We have had wedding receptions, banquets, conventions and meetings. We have a stage for bands, DJs and speakers along with a podium for your use. Our Auxiliary kitchen committee can help plan and prepare your meal. Our prices are very competitive and we feel we can give you a great experience.

In May, we will be distributing poppies to raise money for our veterans program. Please be generous and help support this cause.

Again, we truly could not provide the enhanced quality of life for our veterans that we strive for without support like yours. Like you, we strongly believe our veterans deserve the very best quality of care. Your generous support helps make that work possible.

Please remember that freedom is not free.

With gratitude,