The Superior Express -

Chuck and DeAnna Tuttle attended Nebraska Legion District 10 Convention held in Alma on Sunday. The purpose of district conventions is to elect and install district officers as well as to supply information on resolutions pending prior to the annual state convention in June.

Gary Wooten, department commander, provided updates on activities of the Department of Nebraska. Navy veteran Steve Lyne from Post 118 was the featured speaker. Mr. Lyne reminisced on his years of service, from induction through training and his tours of duty prior to retirement.

Chaplain DeAnna Tuttle led the Post Everlasting Memorial. Since no

convention was held in 2020 because of the pandemic, legion and auxiliary

members who died during the last two years were honored with a short service including the placing of poppies on a memorial wreath as the names of the departed were announced. The wreath is currently at the Nelson Post.

The 2022 convention will be hosted by the Edgar post. It is hoped that many from Nuckolls County will take advantage of the closeness of the event to attend.

A Sacred Centennial

If you have ever had the experience of watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you know what a historic and moving event it is. Former sentinels will stand watch over the 100th anniversary observances this year, and as many have explained, the tomb is not just a big piece of marble. There is an unknown American resting under the tomb in each of the crypts and each one represents the heart of America and what it truly means to serve and sacrifice for others.

The American Legion is deeply connected to the tomb’s history: Following vandalism, surveillance of the site by armed military personnel began at

the urging of the American Legion; in 1937 approval was given for 24-hour guarding at the insistence of the American Legion; in 1956 President Dwight Eisenhower signed an American Legion supported bill to select and honor unknown military personnel who died fighting in WWII and the Korean War; on May 31, 1958, American Legion National Commander presented the Distinguished Service Medal to the Unknown Servicemen of WWI, WWII and Korea the day after they were interred in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery; in 1969 Legionnaire President Richard M. Nixon flipped the switch to permanently light the tomb. This was able to be accomplished because of the $200,000 raised by the American Legion as its 50th anniversary ‘gift to the nation.’

Legionnaires nationwide will be coordinating centennial events in their communities as well as participating in the national salute at 11 a.m., on Nov. 11. Be watching for events in your locality.