American Legion Post #5 not closed for good

As veterans that sacrificed their lives for freedom are honored this Memorial Day, a local man is encouraging citizens to take initiative and support living veterans through actively participating in American Legion post activities.

Local Hanford American Legion No. 5 Commander Roger Fox, 62, of Independence, says that his post has suffered greatly over the past few years as the public and membership have begun to no longer offer monetary support for Legion programs.

“We're really in a financial bind right now,” Fox said. “It's a problem - without monetary support, programs to support to disabled vets and their families and offering funeral detail free-of-charge is very difficult.”

According to Fox, the financial issues Post No. 5  is currently facing are due in part to the economy, an error made in regards to membership renewals, lack of community support and rumors that have been spread since last summer.

“The rumors began after a player became disgruntled at Bingo and have run rampant ever since,” Fox said. “The [participation] numbers definitely went down after that.”

With Bingo Participation on the decline, Fox says that the Post could no longer afford to stay open throughout the week or continue to offer Bingo.

Fox hopes that the community takes interest in helping Post No. 5 re-open their doors by the beginning of July through offering donations, renewing memberships and showing greater support of activities, like Bingo, that help finance programs for veterans.

“Post five has been in Cedar Rapids since 1919 and we aren't about to let it go down,” Fox said. “We want people to know that we're still here and are doing what we have to do to take care of vets and their families.”