Post Members Kim Murch, David Bowman, Kenneth Jamison and Billy Thompson watch the proceedings. Kellie Houx/Staff Photo
GLADSTONE — Five members of The Bennett & Dennis Herrick Memorial American Legion Post No. 626 presented a donation of $7,000 to Gladstone City Council to go toward the installation of a flagpole at the newly renovated Hobby Hill Park.
“We are making this donation in honor of the military family. This is Children and Youth Month in the American Legion, and May 12th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the 13th is Children of Fallen Patriots Day, and the 14th is Mother’s Day. What better time to honor America’s Military Families?” Post Commander Douglas Millison said in his address to the council at the April 22 city meeting.
While the park itself is for the entire community, dedicating the flag to military families expresses the understanding that they and their particular positions in the community are seen, understood and honored, said the post commander.
Millison ended by applauding the Gladstone City Council on their work in parks through the years and recognizing them as an integral part of the community.
He ended his remarks with a James Madison quote from more than 200 years ago, which he said still rings true and is relevant in Gladstone.
“Our country abounds in the necessaries, the arts, and the comforts of life,” he said.