Veterans, I have recently made the decision to revive our Okemah Reynolds & Harjo American Legion Post 0123. Why now? Because after walking the cemeteries this past Veterans Day—placing flags on the graves of our brothers and sisters—I felt a deep sense of embarrassment that our Legion Post, founded back in January 1920, has gone quiet. As I walked, I placed flags on many veterans I personally served with—the Dukes, Duncans, Wilsons, Klutts, Jacksons, Lanes, Overalls, Armstrongs, and Rosses—all of whom were proud members of this Post before their passing. In Highland Cemetery alone, we have over 1,000 veterans, representing nearly every conflict since the Civil War. We even have both Union and Confederate soldiers resting there. Some stones bear the exact dates our veterans were killed in action, a sobering reminder of the price they paid. If we allow this Post to disappear, then in my heart I believe we are failing those who came before us. This will be my final push for membership. If you choose not to participate, that is your decision, and I respect it. But I hope you will stand with me in honoring our past, supporting our present, and keeping this historic Post alive for the future. Annual dues are $40. You may join or renew by: Stopping by the Okemah Museum, Monday–Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM Sending a check to: American Legion Post 0123 PO Box 409 Okemah, OK 74859 Or paying online In accordance with the Legion Constitution, we are required to hold a set number of meetings each year. To meet that obligation, I will hold a meeting at the Okemah Museum on December 18th at 6:00 PM. If I am the only person who shows up, then so be it—but at least the Post will remain in compliance and still breathing. Ronald Gott Commander, American Legion Post 0123 ?? 405-820-4509