American Legion Post 221 Officers 2026-2027
- Commander- Richard Mortland
- 1st Vice Commander- John Campbell
- 2nd Vice Commander- Chip Stark
- Chaplain- Kenneth Girt
- Adjutant- Mark Weldon
- Finance Officer- Mark Weldon
Sgt. At Arms- Michael Stanley
MEMBERSHIP DUES
2027 MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION, SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, AND LEGION RIDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED STARTING IN JULY. PLEASE DROP THEM OFF IN THE TAVERN OR MAIL THEM IN TO THE POST. BE AN EARLY BIRD AND GET YOUR DUES IN AS EARLY AS YOU CAN.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY!!!
COMMANDER’S CORNER
Well summer is here, it’s time for cookout’s and camping. Vacations are coming up soon and many things are going on, but things are also going on here at the post. On July 25 from 12 to 5 is the Picnic on the Porch. All we ask is that you bring a covered dish. This is always well attended and everyone has a good time.
The 4 of July is coming up and I hope you are going to have a safe and enjoyable time. Also near the end of August, football season starts with the Hall of Fame.
During the summer while you are out driving be on to look out for motorcycles. I know that they are hard to see but watch out for them please. Also as this is being written the leader of the Riders Chip Stark is in the Hospital. Please keep him in your prayers and we all wish him a speedy recovery. As always if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me at (330)280-6141.
~~Richard Mortland- Commander
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
DID YOU KNOW?
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain rule. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
Adams’s prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.
Historians have long disputed whether members of Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed.
Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, another Founding Father who was elected as President, also died on July 4, 1831. He was the third President in a row who died on the anniversary of independence. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872; so far he is the only U.S. President to have been born on Independence Day.
Source: Wikipedia
COLOR AND HONOR GUARD
In the first 6 months of this year the Honor Guard and color guard have been busy. The Honor Guard has performed honors for 37 veterans, traveled 2521 miles and 521 man hours. The color guard also led the parade for Memorial Day ceremony.
The Honor Guard and Legion Riders has also helped a local veteran renovate his home with a kitchen stove supplied by the Legion Riders and other household repairs by Honor Guard help Bob Findley, Bob Wykoff, John Campbell, and Barrett Scott. And Thanks to Quality Heating for repairs to the furnace and replacement of the hot water tank
Thanks to Richard Thatcher for spending over 4 to 5 hours on each of our new supply of 13 M1 rifles. Richard has been faithful to keeping our arms in A1 condition.
Thanks to Darla, wife of Ed Lynch, for the donations of Ed’s memorabilia from his service time in the Gulf War. Ed was a longtime member of the Honor Guard.
Looks like a busy summer with upcoming events for the Honor and Color Guard.
~~ Jerry Yochum and Mark Weldon
1ST VICE COMMANDER COMMENTS
Welcome to our newest members!
I hope all of you are as glad to see summer only officially a few days away as I am. Legionnaires, please be careful as you go about all your outdoor activities.
2027 early pay dues begin July 1st, with deadline of January 1st. You can renew online, or at the post.
Also, anyone interested in joining Honor Guard/Color Guard, contact employee’s at the club, HG/CG members, or any post officer.
~~ John Campbell, 1st Vice Commander
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT
From the Post Chaplain……
As we mature in life, our pathway becomes clearer as we see our journey coming to fruition. We come to realize that a higher power guides our life and we become comfortable with our journey. We gather with friends, fellow veterans, and our families to enjoy our lives today and every day.
Summer is upon us, it is a time to enjoy life to the maximum. Vacations and out of town trips fill our time. It is time to be safe in our travels and a time to enjoy all the good summer things Ohio has to offer! Have a safe and happy summer, enjoy life to the fullest.
Happy summer season!
~~ Howard Marotto, Chaplain
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY-TAVERN CLOSED
JULY 5 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS 10:00am
JULY 7 LEGION REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
JULY 7 AUXILIARY REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
JULY 8 S.A.L. MEETING 7:00pm
JULY 8 CARDINGO-MEAT BALL SUB 7:00pm
JULY 14 LEGION EXEC BOARD 7:00pm
JULY 21 LEGION REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
JULY 22 RWDSU MEETING (FIREPLACE ROOM) 3:00pm
JULY 22 CARDINGO-PORK CHOPS 7:00pm
JULY 25 PICNIC ON THE PORCH NOON-5
JULY 27 TAVERN MONTHLY DRAWING 7:30pm
AUGUST
AUG 2 AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS 10:00am
AUG 4 LEGION REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
AUG 4 AUXILIARY REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
AUG 11 LEGION EXEC BOARD 7:00pm
AUG 12 S.A.L. MEETING 7:00pm
AUG 12 CARDINGO-FRIED CHICKEN BREAST 7:00pm
AUG 16 POST PARADE ARTICLES DUE
AUG 18 LEGION REGULAR MEETING 7:00pm
AUG 25 LABEL POST PARADE 5:30pm
AUG 26 RWDSU MEETING (FIREPLACE ROOM) 3:00pm
AUG 26 CARDINGO-SAUSAGE W/PEPPERS & ON 7:00pm
AUG 31 TAVERN MONTHLY DRAWING 7:30pm