LEGION DAY … It was a busy day for Stryker American Legion Post 60, hosting its first annual Legion Day at Springfield Park.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
In recent years, the Stryker American Legion Post 60 has seen its membership numbers dwindle, and on Sunday, July 27, they held their first-ever Legion Day at Springfield Park.
“We’re trying to get more members in the Stryker American Legion,” pointed out post commander Tim Sikula. “We want to get younger members to join and trying overall – we’re just trying to save the Legion.”
With numerous free events in the park grounds, such as a bounce house, slip and slide, face painting, and live entertainment provided by Rapid Fire, the Legion wanted to show its own support to the community.
Currently, there are 40 members in the local Legion post, but Sikula who is a U.S. Army veteran from 2006-23, and served two tours of duty in Iraq (2007-08) and in Afghanistan (2010-11) while serving his country in the 101st Airborne and 4th Infantry commented there are only ten active members who have been involved in activities.
“We’re showing the community that we’re here, but we’re not just a bunch of old guys,” said Sikula.
Sikula got the idea of having a Legion Day but admitted it has been a lot of hard work to get everything organized for the event.
“It’s been very difficult of getting it set up,” added Sikula. “I’ve gotten some help, but being the youngest, it’s tough.”
In order to financially support local Legion programs, a silent auction was held with many local businesses donating such items as gift certificates, photo shoots, tattoos, candy baskets, paintings, and much more. Several gun raffles also took place.
“This is the first time we hosted Legion Day,” said Sikula. “As long as it goes well, we’re hoping to make it an annual thing.”
He is hoping the success of the first Legion Day can financially help the post in providing programs for local veterans.
“We’re hoping to be able to do some school award programs,” said Sikula. “We want to be able to continue doing our military honors for funerals for veterans.”
With membership numbers at a critical point, Sikula wants to reach out to more veterans in the area and provide more assistance to them, whether it’s financially or with more information.
Legion Day attendees were treated to a free will meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and water courtesy of the Williams County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 83.
The Williams County Veteran Services had an informational tent for area veterans.