Navy veteran presents Legion centennial program at libraries in Herminie, Derry
Bob MacPherson, a retired Navy officer, will present a program at two Westmoreland County libraries on the history of the American Legion, the veterans organization that is marking its 100th year and has numbered MacPherson among its members for 43 years.
His presentation, “The American Legion at 100,” is slated for 11 a.m. March 2 at the Sewickley Township Public Library, 201 Highland Ave., Herminie. He also will speak at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at Caldwell Memorial Library, 988 N. Chestnut St. Extension, Derry.
He will conclude the program by discussing the future of patriotic organizations and what they still can offer to the nation.
The programs are free, but registration is required. Contact the Herminie library at sewickley@wlnonline.org or 724-446-9940, the Derry library at 724-694-5765.
Observances of the Legion’s centennial began last year and are set to continue, with March 15 marking the 100th anniversary of its founding.
Drawing upon historical records and newspaper accounts, MacPherson will chart the Legion’s growth from its beginning at the close of the Great War to the important part it has played in the nation’s response to World War II and subsequent conflicts.
MacPherson’s grandfather, John MacPherson, was an original member of the national Legion organization. His father, also John, was a World War II veteran and lifetime Legion member who was assisted by the G.I. Bill, the educational benefits program for military veterans that the Legion played a part in drafting.
Bob MacPherson has served as commander of Legion Post 553 in Elizabeth, among many other officer roles.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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