Marion American Legion Post 298’s open house is Saturday

MARION — Marion American Legion Post 298, which sports the largest membership in Iowa, is hosting a public open house and picnic from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the post home, 625 31st St. Hy-Vee will be grilling burgers and hot dogs from noon to 1:30 p.m.

"We need to showcase what we do for the community," Post 298 Commander Dean Abramczak said in announcing the event.

He said he hopes younger veterans will attend and then join the Legion and become the post's future leaders.

During the open house, Post 298 will recognize its Legionnaire of the Year and award certificates for continuous years of membership in the Legion. Local high school seniors who have enlisted in the armed forces also will be recognized.

Abramczak said the Legion post recently donated more than 450 American flags, costing $4,000, to the Linn-Mar and Marion school districts. The flags help the schools comply with a new state law that requires classrooms to have an American flag on display.

The flag project, organized by post member Chad Steffen, included work by and donations from the Marion Legion post, its Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and Legion Riders. Post 298 also has provided more than $4,000 to local veterans in the past year for a variety of needs.

The Legion offers opportunities for children and youth throughout the year, including The Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest, Scholarship Program and American Legion Baseball. The Legion also provides patriotic support from its Honor Guard team and Bikers group for veteran funerals, flag presentations, parades, welcoming Honor Flight returns, and aiding and assisting veterans or their families with various needs.