The American Legion Post 81 and Auxiliary Unit 81 of Bourbon celebrated the 91st birthday of the American Legion at their annual dinner on Mar. 31 at the Bourbon Community Center.
Members and guests enjoyed the delicious meal of fried chicken, ham and all the carry-ins, and the fellowship hour, before their regular monthly meetings. Consecutive membership stars were also presented. The Legion and Auxiliary conducted the solemn “Bell Ringing” ceremony for the members from each organization that passed away during the last year.
Commander Lester Isgriggs rang the bell in memory of three Auxiliary members—Virginia Keeney, a 63-year member;  Geraldine Reiner, a 29-year member; and Helen Hill, a 15-year member. The Legion members whose memories were honored—Burtung Hartung and Len Bond.
Carolyn Isgriggs, Auxiliary vice president, read many of the names of Charter members of the Legion Post that was chartered in January 1943.  The Auxiliary Unit was chartered in July of the same year.
At the regular Auxiliary meeting, Isgriggs announced that the theme for the 2009-2010 year was “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” The theme urges members to shake up their efforts to enroll new members during the year.
Four girls from the Bourbon High Junior Class are honored to attend this year’s Girls State Week in Warrensburg. The girls are Erica Hartwick, Sarah Kitchen, Janae Rennaker and Tyanna Tillett. The Auxiliary members are very proud of these girls and  appreciate all those who helped to raise funds so that they could send four girls this year.
The Red Cross Bloodmobile conducted by the Auxiliary and Post in March was successful and the next blood drive will be May 11.
The Legion and Auxiliary will hold the annual Appreciation Day Barbecue in May and all members who are able are asked to come out and lend a hand in preparing and serving the food that day, May 16.
The Auxiliary will participate in the Bourbon Fall Festival parade again this year.  The theme will be “Down Home Fun.”