On Nov. 10, Commander Bobby Christy, Immediate Past Commander Carl Thompson and members of The American Legion, Wiley-Pevy Post #74 paid tribute to three local elected officials who Christy and Thompson credited with saving The American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post Hall located at 119 Pine St. in Minden.
“Tonight, as we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day tomorrow, I am pleased to recognize and pay tribute to three outstanding elected officials for their patriotism, their dedication to and support of our Nation’s veterans and to their tenacity that resulted in saving the important community asset, The American Legion Hall,” Thompson said.
Bobby Christy presents the Outstanding Service to The American Legion Award to Henry Burns, House of Representatives District #9. Courtesy Photo
Bobby Christy, Commander of the American Legion, Post #74, presents Outstanding Service to The American Legion Award to State Representative Gene Reynolds, House of Representatives District #10. Courtesy Photo
“Louisiana State Representative Gene Reynolds led the charge and was supported in the Senate by Senator Robert Adley and in the House by State Representative Henry Burns. Together they were successful in obtaining the funds required to pay for a life-time metal roof for The American Legion Hall here in Minden.”
Thompson went on to state that without the dedication and perseverance of Reynolds, Adley and Burns, the funds required to pay for The American Legion Hall roof would not have been obtained and, eventually, the old flat roof over the building would have failed, resulting in the loss if the iconic American Legion Hall, a Pine Street landmark constructed in 1952.
“The members of Post #74, through local fund raising activities and labor provided by Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center were able install lifetime metal roofs over the north and south wings of The American Legion Hall at a cost of almost $50,000 for materials,” Thompson continued. “However, the Post members were unable to raise sufficient funds required for a metal roof over the huge Main Hall. That is when Mr. Reynolds, Senator Adley and Mr. Burns stepped forward and obtained the needed funds.”
“The American Legion Hall here in Minden does not belong to the Post #74 members, it belongs to the Minden and South Webster Community. The Post members are only th e caretakers of this important community asset,” Thompson said. “The historic Hall was constructed by WWII veterans whose names are embossed on the bronze place near the front door. These WWII veterans returned home and quickly set about building a vibrant Minden and South Webster Community and to supporting our Nation’s heroes, our veterans.”
“Tonight, we, the 170 members of The American Legion Wiley-Pevy Post #74, recognize three of our community heroes, Mr. Reynolds, Senator Adley and Mr. Burns, who continue the Minden-Webster Parish traditions, duty and honor of supporting our Nation’s heroes, our veterans,” Thompson concluded.