By Alice Bremer
The American Legion Auxiliary is celebrating its 90-year milestone this year. It was on Nov. 10, 1910 at the American Legion National Convention that the Auxiliary was established.  The American  Legion Auxiliary Unit 81 of Bourbon is a part of what is now known worldwide as the largest  patriotic service organization of women.
In the first year after the organization was formed, there were 1,342 local units.  Soon there were 121,000 women with the mission to serve veterans who had served our country. The organization has grown every year.  November 10 kicks off a year of celebrating with the official motto, “Celebrating 90 Years of Service Not Self, For Veterans, God and Country.”
The local ladies will be continuing their dedicated service to veterans. In December, members will go to the St. James Federal Soldiers Home to help the residents choose Christmas gifts for their families, and then will wrap and send them for the veterans. Also in December, members will be preparing cheer baskets for veterans and shut-ins.
Throughout the year, the group works for better education, community service, youth and senior citizens, conducts local bloodmobile drives and helps to support the activities of the American Legion.