Bluffton American Legion Post 382 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National American Legion, with a gathering and dinner on Saturday, March 16.

Robert “Bob” Schmitt, Department Commander Ohio American Legion is the speaker.

 According to Dennis Morrison, Bluffton's World War I veterans applied to the American Legion in 1919 and received their charter on March 20, 1920. 

The U.S. American Legion was born on March 15, 1919, in Paris, from a gathering of veterans who believed that a nation worth defending during war time, is a nation worth strengthening, honoring and serving for as long as a veteran lives.

The American Legion is responsible for the G I Bill, initiation of the Veterans Administration, veterans preference hiring act, the U.S. Flag Code, fighting for those who have PTSD and military exposed to toxic substances, and many other causes for those who have served and serve today. 

All veterans and spouses are invited to attend and are asked to call Commander Jerry Couples at 419-890-5964 for reservations. Tickets are $20 per person.  Henry’s Restaurant will cater the event.