Founder's Day 2022 - 98th Anniversary

     On December 17, 2022, we held a luncheon as we celebrated Founder’s Day the 98th Anniversary of the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157. The Post was chartered December 19, 1924, five years after the National American Legion received its Congressional Charter. The Post was named to honor Pvt. Charles T. Norwood who served with Company H, 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division. Pvt. Norwood was wounded on November 11, 1918, just hours before the Armistice to end World War I was set to begin. Pvt. Norwood died from his wounds and Lobar Pneumonia on January 17, 1919, making him the first Black soldier to be killed from Raleigh, North Carolina during World War I.  Pvt. Charles T. Norwood was buried in the Raleigh National Cemetery on August 1,1921. 

     Legionnaire Gabriel Carr, 1st Vice Commander/ Adjutant hosted the event . Honored guest: Auxiliary Unit members, family members and friends all attended the celebration. Legionnaire Gabriel Carr sang two beautiful songs. Our honored guest was Mrs. Julia Budjan (Boo-john) ALA Secretary of the Department North Carolina. Mrs. Julia Budjan was presented with The American Legion Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Community of Caraleigh Mills for allowing the Post to host our monthly meetings at their facility. During the member recognition of the program Post Commander James Langston presented Past Post Commander Donald Moses with the Commander Award in recognition of his Loyalty, Devoted Service and Leadership in upholding the principles of The American Legion For God and Country. Post Commander James Langston presented Ernest Adams, Sergeant-at-Arms with the American Legion Certificate for his Continuous Membership of 28 years of service. 

     In conjunction with the Founder’s Day Celebration the Post conducted a fundraiser of selling raffle tickets. The event ended with the drawing of 3 tickets and the 2 of the 3 winners were present. The first prize winner was notified of his winnings by phone. The proceeds from the raffle will be used to support the post youth activities programs and the post general fund which provides the funding for a wide range of post activities.