American Legion Auxiliary raps bell for the 87th time

The first meeting of the 87th year for Vermillion's Wallace Post #1 American Legion Auxiliary began in the same way that Adalaide Wallace had called it to order on the sixth of May in 1920. Promptly at 7:30 p.m., a bell, placed carefully on a table in front of the assemblage of women, was tapped – just once. Immediately, the busyness of the room quieted. Three more brisk taps, and the Auxiliary of the very first American Legion established in the state of South Dakota had been called to order.

At that September meeting, Marilyn Gors was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her leadership of the past two years as president of the Auxiliary. The focus of the business conducted was on the planning necessary for the Auxiliary to accomplish its 87th year of service to veterans.

Since 1920, the place for the meeting has changed a number of times, including the Odd Fellows Hall; the basement of the library and the Legion Hall in the Municipal Building. Presently, the Auxiliary meets in the Senior Citizens Center.

The relative commonness of qualification for membership has not changed. A mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter or grandmother of a deceased veteran who served during conflict, or of a veteran who is living and is a member of an American Legion, or a step relative or female veteran who served during conflict, or who is a member of the American Legion … These are some of the relationships which qualify a woman to become part of a uniquely tender bonding of kinship as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

The focus of purpose of the Auxiliary remains unchanged: our veterans. The Auxiliary intends to continue as an organization which gives comfort and continuing care to veterans, their families, the veterans' community and to encourage the same heritage of patriotism in which each veteran gave his or her service.

Again on Oct. 9, promptly at 7:30 p.m. the bell will be tapped to call a purposeful meeting to order. Wallace Post #1 American Legion Auxiliary will welcome your attendance.