Submitted by Ollie ‘Mae’ Carroll, Commander

J.C. Price Post 107 observed the American Legion’s 100th anniversary on March 13 with a gala celebration at the Post home on Old Wilkesboro Road.

The American Legion was founded March 15-17, 1919 in Paris at the close of World War I. The organization was responsible for the GI bill for veterans’ education and home loans. The American Legion is the largest organization for veterans and includes such programs as Boys State, Boy Scouts, Student Trooper, Baseball and oratorical contests. The American Legion continues to strive to provide youth of America a solid foundation on which to grow.

J. C. Price Post 107 was reorganized for a third time in February of 1930 at Monroe Street School by J.T Ormond and C.M. Johnson with James Alams as Commander.

The Ladies Auxiliary was organized by J.T. Ormond in 1934. School teacher Nona Springs Johnson was its first president and Mrs. Horton was secretary.

The Post was named after Joseph Charles Price, founder and first president of Livingstone College.
Current Commander Mae Carroll announced the appointment of Comrade Abe Daniels, “past 2009 department adjutant of the year,” as chair of the program.

Chaplain Leonard Hall opened the program with prayer and Daniels and Wayne Hill performed the POW-MIA Ceremony followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commander Carroll, past 1992 department Legionnaire of the year, delivered the welcome address.

Daniels led the audience in the Happy Birthday song after the cutting of the cake, then introduced keynote speaker retired Navy Chaplain Meretle Wilson.
Lewis Reid introduced special guests deejay Aaron Sewell, Lyn F. Rabsett, Johnnie Mae Leach, and members of the Dancing Queens and Kings of Salisbury including Queens Vanessa, Melody, Diane and Cynthia.

Auxiliary members present were Pam Daniels, Diane Alexander and Cynthia Pharr.

John Knox presented Post Queen Ms. Briana Richmond a special trophy honoring her for dedicated services rendered to the Post during her reign.

Robert Bratcher, accompanied by his wife, was given recognition for driving his Corvettes for all Post 107 Queens in all designated parades.

Wayne Hill recognized the 2018 Boys Staters and Ethan Frank was given a certificate of citizenship for successfully completing the Boys State program at Catawba College last June.

Commander Carroll presented Abe Daniels with the “2019 Legionnaire of the Year” award for going above the call of duty to keep the Post functioning and in financial stability by keeping the downstairs open on weekends, by supervising weekend events and serving as housemanager and finance officer, in addition to serving as chairman of the 100th Birthday Celebration.

Gary Hall introduced additional Comrades present including Homer Robertson, District 19 Commander, John Pharr, Lionel Rippy and Clarence Akins. Ralph Johnson, Adjutant and Freddie Turner, 2019 Boys State Coordinator, served as ushers.

Door prizes were won by the audience and Chaplain Hall ended the program with prayer.