POMEROY — The 91st birthday of the American Legion was celebrated Tuesday night by Drew Webster Post 39 with a dinner and recognition program in Post headquarters.

Highlights included recognition of veterans for service including the naming of Bill Spaun as Legionnaire of the Year. He was presented a trophy by Joe Struble, Post adjutant.

Also recognized and presented plaques were members of the committee who organized the first Veterans Appreciation POW/MIA Remembrance Day celebration. The event which took place in Pomeroy in September attracted hundreds of participants and spectators.

Awarded plaques were Bill Spaun, Delmar Pullins, John Hood, Norman Price, Steven VanMeter, and George Hoffman. Tom Anderson, commander, noted that a similar celebration is planned for Sept. 11 this year. Tentative plans call for fly-over of F16s again this year and the addition of a military band concert.

Longtime members of the Legion Post, some present and some not, were recognized by the Post commander. They included Thomas J. Marcinko, 63 years; Carl E. Will, 62 years; Wayne Milhoan, 59 years; Elmer C. White and Paul E. Kloes, 58 years; Ken Harris, Leonard Jewell, Harold Norton, Joe Struble, and Charles Yeager, 56 years; and Devere C. White, Samuel May, and Robert Hysell, 55 years.

Also recognized at the dinner were Steven Mahr, state winner, and Jennifer Robinson, district winner, in the Government/ Americanism Test given to Meigs High School students. They were accompanied to the dinner by their parents.

Barbara Fry, on behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary, presented a gift to the Legion in celebration of the 91st birthday.

The dinner was prepared and served by Post 39 members, Ken Harris, Leonard Jewell, Mick Williams, Sam May, Bob Chapman, and George Harris, Jr. Music for the evening was by Sonny Sonquist at the piano.