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The Billy Glenn Rushing Post No. 90 celebrated the American Legion’s 100^th anniversary Sept. 12 at its post in Atmore.

Leading up to the celebration, Post No. 90 members worked to get the post ready for the event.

Northview’s R.O.T.C. program held a parade of the colors, and Escambia County High School’s choir sang the National Anthem and other songs.

Mayor Jim Staff read a centennial proclamation, and Bob Middleton, son of longtime Billy Glenn Rushing Post No. 90 Member Haskew Middleton, received an award in honor of his father.

“He loved it,” Bob Middleton said about his father being a member of the American Legion. “I’m reminded as a kid, he would come here to the building every Saturday and party.”

In the keynote address, Alabama Department Commander Ron Bradstreet spoke about the events of 9/11 and the importance of having an American Legion.

“On Sept. 11, 2001, I was teaching at Ramsay High School,” Bradstreet recalled. “We had quite a day at school.”
Bradstreet said after many years, an understanding of why the attacks took place unfolded.

“It wasn’t an attack on a building; it was an attack on the very essence of our country,” he said. “They don’t like our freedom.”

Bradstreet reminded those in attendance of the four pillars of the American Legion — taking care of the veterans, and the families and youth of the country.

“That’s what the American Legion is all about,” he said.

The centennial committee included Commander Bill Elder, Auxiliary President Mary Stanley, Paul Chason, Jim Philips, Mike Hanks, Dave Graham, Harold Madison, Joel Mackety, Elaine McKinley, Lorita Beggs, Glenda Chancy and Becky Hopper.