Members and guests of Cushing American Legion Post 108 met Monday night to celebrate the 91st birthday of the American Legion.
Opening remarks were made by Commander Jim Hunter, including a proclamation from Gov. Brad Henry deeming March 15th “American Legion Day.” State American Legion Commander Roy Clingenpeel spoke briefly before presenting Hunter with a plaque naming him “Honorary Post Commander of 108 for the Lifetime of the Post.”
Not the first honor given to Hunter by fellow members – the building bears his name as well. In 2008 it was proclaimed to be the “Jim E. Hunter Building” as a way to show appreciation for all his hard work toward its preservation. However, Hunter would be the first to say he hasn’t done it alone. In 2009 Post 108 was named “Post of the Year” in the state of Oklahoma.
Throughout the evening, Legionnaires heard comments from local and state dignitaries, Cushing Mayor John Henckel, Rep. Lee Denney and Sen. Jim Halligan. Henckel thanked them for the honor of being invited to the celebration and for their service to community. An impressed Halligan sang the praises of the “Post of the Year” and noted the “wonderful facility,” while Denney urged members to be sure to “tell their stories.”
Mother-daughter team Carol Cubbage and Emily Moore, accompanied by Holly Tichenor, sang a medley of patriotic songs, moving some to tears with the final song, “Proud to be an American.”
Summing up the sentiments of the evening, perhaps Rep. Denney said it best. “It’s all the little things you do. Happy Birthday.”
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