EASLEY — The American Legion Post 52 held their annual Veteran’s Day program on Saturday at Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Although the program honored all who serve, this year, the Legion paid particular attention to women in the military.
“We’ve been working tirelessly to have everything all set up and running smoothly,” said Sam Gillespie, active member in Post 52. “Five years ago we did World War II, four year ago it was Korea, then Vietnam and then last year we did the Gulf War. This year, we decided to honor women in the military and we were very fortunate to have such a wonderful guest speaker.”
Army Lt. Col. Tina Ehlies (ret.) was a nurse who served in Vietnam through The Gulf War.
“She did a great job,” said Gillespie. “We really were lucky to have her. This is the 99th year of The American Legion and for the first time, a female has been elected as National Commander, Denise Rohan.”
Gillespie said that Rohan’s election inspired Post 52’s Commander Bones Wilson and Adjutant Paul Smith to make women in the military this year’s theme.
“It wasn’t exactly planned that way, but once Rohan was elected it just made sense,” he said. “I think it went great.”
In addition to the speakers and the traditional laying of the wreaths ceremonies, Post 52 also handed out special “thank you” Legion coins and miniature “Women Proudly Served” dog tags to the veterans that attended the program.
In all, the Legion handed out around 20 coins, Gillespie said.
