State American Legion officials visit Ironwood

By MEGAN HUGHES

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Ironwood - State-level representatives from the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion visited American Legion Post 5 in Ironwood on Monday for a tour of the historic Ironwood Memorial Building and a meal with post members.

The representatives included American Legion State Commander Dan Cooper; American Legion Auxiliary President Julie Becker; and Todd VanDam, commander of the Sons of American Legion Attachment.

According to American Legion 12th District Commander Tim Walters, the visit was part of a tour of the 11th and 12th districts of Michigan's posts, which make up the Upper Peninsula.

The tour began on the eastern side of the U.P., with the commanders making their way west, stopping at as many posts as they could along the way.

Walters explained that the tour had been scheduled earlier this year.

"Back in Houghton in the Vet Fest this past spring, we were talking with the incoming department commanders about holding it in the fall. They could come up, see the fall colors, and not really worry about snow yet," said Walters, "We started planning it. The idea behind it is to get the department leadership of the Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion, to come up and meet as many members as we could get in front of them, stop in as many posts as we can, and also make the trip enjoyable for them (the visitors) so a little bit of sightseeing, history, and making it an enjoyable trip."

The tour began on Thursday in Menominee, according to Walters. "They went through the 11th district first," he said.

According to Walters, the group tried to fit into the schedule as many visits as possible. "We want to make sure we get to all these places so members of local communities get to meet these commanders."

The American Legion is broken down in multiple levels, according to Walters. These levels, from largest to smallest, include national, state, zone, district and post.

"At each level, there is a commander," said Walters, "This is a huge corporation. ... We aren't quite 2 million members anymore, but we are the largest veterans organization in the states. We have been around for 105 years."

As he assured, "It isn't just about wearing silly hats, going to your local post, drinking beers and telling (stories). We are a community and family organization."

The American Legion runs several club sports for area youth and also sponsors programs such as Boys/Girls State.

On Friday, Ironwood American Legion Post 5 performed a flag retirement ceremony at the Ironwood veterans' memorial in Depot Park. The ceremony is one of many civic services that posts perform.