Legionnaire Britton R. "Britt" Small of Pony Express Post 359 was inducted into the Missouri Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at Phil J. Welch Baseball Stadium in Saint Joseph, Missouri on September 1, 2012.
Legionnaire Small was a member and the Commander of Sam R. Albright Post 411 in Skidmore, Missouri and became a member of Pony Express Post 359 when Post 411 ceased operations.
Legionnaire Small formed a band named "Festival" after completing extended service in the Vietnam War and time as a session player in Los Angeles, California. Since 1973 when "Festival" was formed, Legionnaire Small has toured the country traveling over 2 million miles performing at various locations raising awareness of the plight of America's military veterans and raising spirits through music. He has performed at the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., at the dedication of the Three Fighting Men Statue, at the dedication of the Vietnam Women's Memorial and at the dedication of the Korean War Memorial as well as the American Legion National Conventions in 1988 and 1989. This work has earned him the honor of being called “The Musical Voice of America's Veterans” as well as honors from various states including Missouri and from the United States Congress. He continues touring to this day as part of his continuing dedication to use music not just as an artistic expression but to educate. He plays at schools, Veterans Administration hospitals and care centers.
He has also served the Legion in various positions. Besides being the Commander of Post 411, he served the Fourth District for several years as Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairman and as a delegate to several American Legion National Conventions. He is well known and respected for his dedication to veterans getting their just due and to the Flag of the United States, insuring it's properly displayed and respected.
