Kimball Legion Auxiliary members attending the National Convention in Minneapolis are, in front, Abby Zenzen, in back, from left, Jesse Hoppe, Suzette Carlson, LouAnn Marschel, Cindy May, Renee Berscheid, Laurie Wells, April Schmidt, and Chuck Kruger. Submitted photo.
The American Legion celebrated their 100th National Convention Aug. 24-30, 2018, in Minneapolis. One hundred years ago, the very first National Convention was held in Minneapolis. This was a very special National Convention for Minnesota.
This was my first National Convention and I was amazed at everything I saw and attended. This was also a first National Convention for Cindy May, Suzette Carlson, Laurie Wells, and Abby Zenzen. LuAnn Marschel also attended the convention, but she has been to several national conventions. We attended the Northwest Division National Caucus. The states that belong to this are: Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Minnesota. There were a lot of ladies in this room. It was very interesting.
One of the convention halls held many, many booths where one could pick up information about almost anything you wanted to know about. In this area was also the emblem sales. This is where our unit orders flags, flag poles, jewelry, emblems, etc. I was amazed at all the things that were there. It was fun to look at everything and the prices were not bad at all.
My highlight of the convention was the national parade. It was held inside the Minneapolis Convention Center because of the weather. I was truly amazed at all the states that were there. Also in the parade was Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the District of Columbia. Minnesota delegates, alternates and guests carried American flags in the parade. I’ve never seen so many American flags in one place. Awesome! All of us from Kimball Unit 261 of the American Legion Auxiliary marched and carried an American flag in the parade.
On Sunday morning, there was a memorial service held at the Convention Center which we also attended. The music was the Minnesota Boys Choir. They were wonderful to hear.
We met many people, but one stands out more, and he is a veteran from New Jersey. He is a fire fighter. He was at the World Trade Center when the towers came down. He helped out there and told us about his experiences. We all thanked him for all he did and is still doing.Another veteran whom we met was Matt Williams. He is a singer/song writer. We were entertained by him on Monday morning before the Convention meeting opened. A very good entertainer with an awesome voice.
I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity to attend this special convention. I hope that I will have the opportunity to attend more National Conventions.
Submitted by First Vice President, Unit 261, Renee Berscheid