American Legion Auxiliary poppy days were always well supported by Manchester residents. Mirror file photo. 

by Marsha Chartrand

As of June 11, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 117 will be turning in their charter, due to declining participation. This will mean the end of the auxiliary here in Manchester that started back in 1922 with Damma Davisson as the first president of the unit.

The unit’s first priority was serving our veterans and their families. This was achieved through various contributions to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, including donations for hospital equipment, support for the Christmas workshop where veterans could select gifts for their families, clothing donations for veteran patients and homeless veterans, assistance to the Fisher House, and support for various other programs when help was needed.

Community service was also a high priority for the Auxiliary Unit. Contributions were made to the schools, as well as local veterans in need. We participated in programs for the schools on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day through teaching students the significance of those holidays. The auxiliary participated in many functions here in Manchester, some being fish fries, bingo nights, Sunday breakfasts, benefit dinners and many, many funeral lunches. In addition, for many years the auxiliary sponsored local high school girls to attend Girls’ State. This year the auxiliary awarded four, $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors to use toward college education.

“As a 67-year member, it is a great sorrow to see this era come to an end,” said Rita Huber. “I joined the unit back in 1959 under my dad, who was a World I Veteran. My three daughters each have 50 plus years as members, joining as junior members when they were very young. My husband and father were members of American Legion Post 117 for many years.”

They say it takes a village, and the unit was very blessed in the support of the community through all the years that the unit was here in Manchester. We sincerely thank you for all the help and support you have shown us through the many years.

At this time it is with deep sadness that we will be turning in our charter,” Huber continued. “I, for one, will definitely miss our monthly meetings after all this time. Please remember all of our Veterans.”