Birthday bash coinciding with St. Paddy’s

By Bill Erin

Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 2:14 p.m.

Post 31 of the American Legion is all geared up for its annual St. Patrick's Day party and Legion birthday bash on, of course, March 17. Most of the details were finalized during the post's regular monthly meeting the first Tuesday of the month.

Volunteers for decorating and setting up are asked to report to Chairman Ruth Taylor at Legion Hall on March 16. Taylor said all of the decorating has to be done on Monday, because all the cooking will be done on Tuesday. Attendees will bring salads and desserts. The post will furnish the birthday cake.

The American Legion was born in 1918 as a result of World War I. Post 31 was born in 1931 as a result of all the World War I veterans working on Hoover Dam. It became the largest American Legion post in the country, but has since diminished to 200-plus members.

The doors to Legion Hall will open at 5 p.m., and the traditional Irish buffet will open at 6 p.m. In addition to Legionnaires, Auxiliary and guests, all veterans and their families are welcome to attend. There will be music and dancing in addition to plenty of food for all.

At the meeting, Commander Doug McHam announced the names of the four Boulder City High School seniors who will attend Boys State in Carson City this year. They are, Alex Traasdahl, George Kehaias, Jared Miller and Daniel Edmondson.

Members were surprised and pleased when Clayton Glenn attended the meeting, albeit in a wheelchair. Glenn is still recuperating and undergoing therapy to recover from his unfortunate fall when he fractured both legs. Although not up to doing wheelies in the chair, Glenn appeared to be in good health and on his way to full recovery.

Judge Advocate Howard "Scottie" Scott was awarded a citation and 30-year patch to be worn on his Legion cap for his tenure and service. Eric Potts, who could not attend the meeting, was awarded a 50-year citation and patch in a special ceremony at Thursday morning's breakfast social.

The next meeting of Post 31 will be April 7 at 7 p.m., at Legion Hall, 508 California Ave. All veterans are welcome.