 2019 marks the 100th anniversary since the first American Legion was created. To celebrate, the Legion's national commander, Brett Reistad, is visiting American Legion all across the country. Reistad is currently the middle of his Minnesota tour and stopped at Post 49 in Pequot Lakes for a steak dinner. The national commander received a police escort to the post and was greeted by some of the Pequot Lakes American Legion Post members. Probably by and large, in places like here, the Post's Honor Guard is out to greet me when I pull into the parking lot. And that really warms my heart to see that they think that highly of the leadership in the American Legion to do that. Reistad met with people during a social hour and then addressed the public in which he focused on why the American Legion was created 100 years ago. The commander stressed that the legions are in place to promote patriotism and to take care of veterans returning from service. Reistad also wanted to celebrate one of the Legion's most notable accomplishments in creating the GI Bill. Well, the American Legion has four pillars of service as we call it. We serve our children and youth. We serve our veterans. We're interested in national security and we also promote Americanism or patriotism around the country. Reistad will continue his tour through Minnesota tomorrow with a breakfast at the Brainer Legion. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.