Re-Dedication of Lake Wales Memorial Post 71

Re-Dedication of Lake Wales Memorial Post 71

In 1920 the Lake Wales American Legion was chartered, in 1948 a building was under construction, on January 25, 1949 the Post dedicated this building. Sold the building in 1975, which it has been sold several times since. It has been a grocery store, skating rink, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc. In September 2012 a committee of the post viewed the building and fell in love with it. When they walked through the front door and saw a tile with the Legion Emblem, they knew they were home. They started moving into it a week later. Some trees were removed, and a flag pole has been set in place since the first day. Since that time the membership has grown from 42 members to 99 members, the Auxiliary Unit is at 166% membership. The plans include a Sons of the American Legion, a Legion Riders in February, a lounge reconstructed and a diner to be completed and opened within a few months. We are proud to be home again, this is where we should be. The Re-dedication was held on January 26, 2013 with the Florida State Lt. Governor, Jennifer Carroll, PDC Fletcher Williams, Jr. and 2010-2013 7th District Commander, Nancy Thomas as speakers. We have a long way to go to be #1 in the nation, but, we have the spirit and drive to get close, and this building has given us hope for the future to be able to do our American Legion programs, to serve God and Country, to be veterans serving veterans. The commander,Ira Anderson, is proud of everyone who has worked hard to make this happen. With his wife, Linda Hayes, Auxiliary president, the construction continues to be a success.