Legion and Auxiliary conference held

The American Legion and Auxiliary Winter Conference was Feb. 1-3 in Minot.

The conference opened with a joint session on Friday night, called to order by American Legion Department Commander Dave Rice, Fargo. Dignitaries bringing greetings were Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, R-N.D., Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

Greetings were also extended from National Vice Commander Glenn Hickman, Ohio, speaker at the banquet on Saturday. Also bringing greeting at the session was North West Division National Vice President Doris Ann Werlinger of South Dakota. President Linda Juntunen, Perth, N.D., presided over the auxiliary meetings.

A joint memorial service was held Sunday at the close of the conference. Department American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain Beverly Wolff presented a memorial tribute to auxiliary member and district president Martha Johnson, who was killed along with her three grandchildren in New Town, N.D., in November. A history of four chaplains killed in action during World War II was also presented.

Various meetings were held throughout the conference. Committee updates were presented. The American Legion and Auxiliary are losing members due to death, non-renewal of membership and younger people eligible not joining.

The final state High School Oratorical Contest was presented Saturday afternoon. The purpose of the contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. More than 30,000 students participate annually. They represent 54 departments of the American Legion including Mexico and France. First-place winner was David Shelton, Arvilla. He received a $500 scholarship.

El Ray and DeLight Fercho and Harold and Elsie Goldsmith, all Streeter, N.D., attended the conference. Harold Goldsmith is the central region vice-commander and central region director for the NDAL Foundation and member of the audit/finance committee. Elsie Goldsmith is District 4 president.

The District 4 spring meeting will be April 18 in Medina, N.D. The department convention will be June 21 to 23 at the International Inn in Williston, N.D.

Tags: community, clubs