By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore veterans now have a place to relax and wind down while enjoying recreational activities such as billiards and darts in their newly dedicated veteran's room.
Thursday, a large group of family members and friends joined members of the American Legion Post 90 to officially dedicate their second-story veteran's room made possible through the voluntary efforts and contributions of Legion and Auxiliary members.
"I think it went great," Legion commander Aubrey Stanley said. "I asked my wife when I got home and I asked Fred (Salter) this morning and both thought we had at least 60 people or more on hand. I couldn't have been more pleased with the crowd and how everything turned out. It was just outstanding."
First Assembly of God Church pastor Don Davis and Brooks Memorial Baptist Church pastor Mike Grindle were on hand during the dedication to bless the facility.
"We are assembled at this place to dedicate to the glory of God this new recreation room that, by the grace of God, we have determined to build," Davis said. "Since we have been instructed that all important undertakings should always begin by seeking divine guidance, let us by scripture and by prayer invoke God's leadership upon us."
Davis then led Legion Post officers and guests in a responsive Bible reading.
"For the welfare, comfort and help of American veterans who served their country in war and peace, we dedicate this room to the glory of Almighty God," Davis concluded.
Grindle then read scriptures from 1Kings 8:56-58 and concluded with a prayer.
"To me, the freedom that we have in this country, the veterans gave it to us," Stanley said. "This is just a small token of what we can give back to those veterans. I'm all veteran. To me, veterans come first. I feel like what we do for our veterans, the community will come behind us and do as well. We can't show enough respect to the veterans for all that they have done for us. They gave us our freedom in years past and today."
Stanley said the Legion veteran's room will be open to all American Legion members, family and friends, as well as, members of the Women's Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion.
"The Lady Auxiliary has really helped us, supported us and stood behind us in doing this," Stanley said. "The Legion wants to thank them for that type of support. The Sons of the American Legion are just getting started and are currently working on their charter."
The veteran's room features two pool tables, game tables for dominoes and card playing, a dart board and a television. Stanley said he hopes to add different amenities over the next several months.
According to Stanley, there will be no alcoholic beverages allowed in this room and the American Legion is a non-smoking facility. Users of the facility will at all times demonstrate a respect for GOD, country, the military, and each other.