For a number of years now, the Lawrence American Legion Color Guard members of combined ages would total more than 300 years. Divide that by four and you get the idea of why changes are heading their way.
In recent years, Paul Dale, Lyle Kohmetscher, Bob Kotinek and Gary Buescher have been performing the duty of presenting the colors (flags) during community events, like the yearly football games. An approaching surgery appointment for Mr. Dale required Russ Menke to substitute for him.
However, becuase of medical complications and-or age, the make-up of the Color Guard is changing. Mr. Dale's surgery for his back will most likely sideline him from future service. Mr. Kotinek and Mr. Buescher have served long and often and are planning on retirement from this service sometime this year.
As such, the Legion is looking for replacements. They may be hard to find, however.
Viewing an old photo of one of the Color Guards from the earlier days of the Lawrence American Legion we saw 15 men in the unit. It was mentioned that the Legion membership numbered more than 130.
Membership in 2022 is about half that number. The membership average age is not going down as fewer and fewer men, or women are entering the military in recent years.
To continue the Color Guard tradition, volunteers are needed. They may come from the "Sons of the American Legion', or from the general public. If you might consider this volunteer service, you are asked to talk to Paul Dale, post commander, or Lyle Kohmetscher, post adjutant.
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