BENTON (WSIL) -- The American Legion in Benton celebrated 100 years of service Saturday afternoon as dozens of members, family and friends of Post 280 came together for a celebration.
Several speeches were made and local lawmakers presented the post with certificates of appreciation. Those who came out also enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, chips and cake.
The Stanley McCollum Post was started in August of 1920 and its been a gathering place for generations throughout the decades.
Members with the post and its auxiliary like Auxiliary President Freda Broadway say they feel fortunate it's still going.
"It's quite a blessing; There are so many posts that have closed," Broadway reflects. "So many auxiliaries that have folded and it's an honor that we hosted this event."
Broadway went to say that it's the members who make it feel like home and help to establish and maintain its roots in the region.
"It's the camaraderie that people come in with," she explains. "They are helpful. They are informative. They are just nice people to deal with."
The post holds many fundraisers each year to give back to the community and usually visits residents at the VA, nursing homes and assisted living centers. With COVID-19, they have been sending mail or making donations instead.
