Christmas tradition rolls on at Maryland Post 109

When “Santa Claus” is part of your post leadership, of course you’re going to have a Christmas party.

This Santa Claus is Gregory Miller, second vice commander at Dewey Lowman American Legion Post 109 in Halethorpe, Md.

“He is Santa all year long,” said Alicia Knecht, the post’s first vice commander. “The kids are always excited to see him.”

Post 109 hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Dec. 2, with some 60 kids and their parents and grandparents filling the post’s hall for crafts, Christmas music, gifts and pizza.

And of course, pictures with “Santa” in his sleigh.

Dot Meile, a member of Post 109’s Auxiliary and the coordinator of this year’s event, said the party is a way to reach out to members. “It’s just a way of saying thank you,” she said.

And it gives the kids fond memories to associate with The American Legion.

“They can associate The American Legion with ‘that’s where I had fun,’” Knecht said. “My children attended it for several years, they had a wonderful time each year.”

Meile has fond memories of attending Christmas parties at her grandparents’ old post when she was a child. She brought her children to Post 109’s Christmas party when they were young, and they’re bringing their children now.

“It just rolls along,” she said.