Every year, American Legion department conventions in the spring and summer precede the national convention in late summer. Such is the case this year, where the 100th National Convention in Minneapolis this August is being preceded by 100th conventions in departments.
The Department of Pennsylvania decided to go big for the centerpiece of its convention in Harrisburg, July 12-15, with the first convention parade in more than 30 years. According to Department Adjutant Kit Watson, the 1.1-mile parade was led by a D-Day veteran and included chauffeured rides for past national commanders, Legion Family leadership and the state adjutant general; Scout units; and 197 Legion Rider cycles carrying all 50 state flags. “It was a beautiful day in the high 80s and clear, so the weather was on our side,” Watson commented.
The parade was put together by a committee of 10-plus that met monthly after last summer’s department convention. Each of the department’s 29 districts had a representative who got the latest developments.
The main goal, Watson said, was that “we wanted our attendees to realize what a milestone our first 100 years have been.” And the reception from Legion Family members and local residents alike was positive; attendance had been encouraged with banners, flyers and more. Media coverage from local TV stations and websites was positive as well (https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/pennsylvania_american_legion_1.html features an article and gallery on the parade).
Watson added that this year’s convention had “many first-time attendees, and many older members who wanted to be a part of the 100th celebration.” The hope is that the same will apply in Minneapolis next month.
