Village of Rockton celebrates 250 years at Summerpalooza with special recognition of Rockton American Legion
The second Summerpalooza of the season was full of special moments and fun.
Downtown Rockton was full of fun and meaningful action on Saturday, July 11 where the Village of Rockton’s second Summerpalooza of the season celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.
Fitting with the Palooza theme was a special ceremony held honoring the Walter Graham American Legion Post 332.
Members of the Walter Graham Rockton American Legion Post 332 Rifle Squad followed a command to present arms and to give a 21 gun salute.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Our National Anthem rang out.
Rockton Village Trustee Sarah Doerflinger said, “It is my honor to be here on behalf of the Village of Rockton as we recognize the dedicated members of the Rockton American Legion.
As our nation commemorates 250 years of the American experiment of liberty we’re reminded that the freedoms that we enjoy today have never been guaranteed. They have been preserved by generations of brave men and women who answered the call to serve.
Today, while we honor those receiving recognition for their many years of membership in the Rockton American Legion I also want to thank every Veteran and every active duty service member with us.
Thank you for your courage, for your sacrifice and your willingness to place the needs of our nation above your own. Because of you we enjoy freedoms that many around the world can only dream of.
The American Legion has long been more than a service organization. It is a place where service continues through supporting fellow veterans, mentoring young people, strengthening our communities and ensuring that the values of duty, honor and patriotism are passed on to future generations.
To those being recognized today, your years of commitment represent more than longevity, they reflect a lifetime of continuing to serve your fellow veterans and your community.
On behalf of the village of Rockton congratulations on this well deserved recognition.”
Doerflinger added, “We are profoundly grateful for your service to our country and the countless ways that you continue to make our community stronger.
As we celebrate 250 years of our great nation, may we never forget that America’s greatest strength has always been the character, courage and sacrifice of the people who have defended her.”
Rockton American Legion Senior Vice Commander, Spencer Cushing said, “ When people hear the word American Legion many think of it as simply a place where veterans gather.
While fellowship is an important part of who we are, it is only a small part of our mission.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 by veterans returning home from WW1 with a commitment to continue serving their country and their communities. Here in Rockton that mission began in 1932 when the Walter Graham American Legion, Post 332 was established.
In the past 94 years we have proudly served not only our fellow veterans but the entire Rockton community.
Our mission is simple, to serve veterans, support our youth, promote patriotism and strengthen our community.
One of the ways we do that is through our annual scholarship program, helping local students continue their education and invest in their future.
We proudly host and support fundraising events for local foundations and non-profit organizations, providing a place where our community can come together to support important causes.
We also honor those who have served through Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremony's, military funeral honors whenever possible, and patriotic programs that remindus of the sacrifice made for our freedom. “
Cushing shared deeper insight, “Just as importantly we continue serving veterans after they return home, whether connecting them with benefits, offering guidance or simply finding them a place where they belong, our members remain committed to looking after one another, but our service doesn’t stop there."
Throughout the year you will find members of Post 332 volunteering at local events, supporting local schools, partnering with civic organizations, recognizing First Responders, and working behind the scenes to make Rockton a stronger place to live.
Much of what we do happens quietly without recognition, because that is what service is about.
The American Legion isn't just a veterans organization.
We are your neighbors, we are volunteers, we are community members who believe in giving back.
As incoming Commander my hope is that every veteran knows that they have a place in our post and every member of our community knows they are welcome through our doors.
We want to continue building partnerships, supporting local organizations and serving Rockton for generations to come.
For 94 years the Rockton American Legion has stood beside the community. We’ve honored our veterans, invested in our youth and have hosted charitable organizations while working to make Rockton a better place to live.
While we’re proud of our history we are even more excited about our future. As long as there are veterans to support, children to encourage, organizations to partner with and a community to serve The Rockton American Legion will continue to answer the call.”
All Walter Graham American Legionaries in attendance received a certificate and a pin from the Village of Rockton.
Both Doerflinger and Cushing sent God’s blessings to all service members and to the U.S.A.
Legion Post Finace Officer Amy Mullen was interviewed by Rockton Roscoe News Managing Editor Harold Bone after the ceremony. Mullen said, “Today’s recognition means a lot to me, it is nice to be recognized. I am a transplant to Rockton, coming here about 10 years ago.
There is a such as sense of family and community here. We had storms recently and the entire neighborhood came out.
It is all about helping each other and the Legion embodies that spirit , and so does our community.
Mullen has been a member for around nine years and has served as the Post Chaplain before serving in her current capacity for the past four years.
Mullen is a veteran who served in the United States Navy from 1996- 2008.
After the ceremony Summerpalooza went until 9 p.m. with Courtney Davies of the Courtney Davies Band singing with the lead singer of Rollin’ Whiskey, Jen Winterland warming up the crowd.
Sounds of Blue Velvet and Rollin’ Whiskey filled Main Street.
Macktown Living History shared rows of artifacts and special pieces.
Artistic flair came to life as Henna Tattoos were applied by Reverent Henna. Face painting offered another form of detailed art work.
Balloon artist Nora Clark drew other young and young at heart to her wagon.
Businesses offered special deals at sidewalk sales. The Village of Rockton gave away patriotic theme fans, and other fun items.
The final Summerpalooza Old School OSD is on the docket from 4-10 p.m. on August 15!
