MADISON – First-of-the-year responsibilities and recognitions have kept members busy in American Legion, Post 229 in Madison.

Legionnaires and dozens of volunteers gathered on Jan. 6 at Madison Memory Gardens for the post’s annual pickup of Christmas wreaths. These holiday decorations had distinguished the gravesites of local veterans since early December 2017.

Each year before Christmas, the legion also places wreaths in Madison City Cemetery, Old Madison Cemetery and Faith Memorial Gardens. “Once again, the turnout of volunteers to support the pickup of the wreaths was very good,” Post 229 Commander Carlos Woods said.

Volunteers who helped American Legion members were representatives from Air Force Junior ROTC or JROTC at Bob Jones High School; Army JROTC at James Clemens High School; Daisy Troop 204; Girl Scout Troops 212, 219, 926, 950, 10212 and 10219; Cub Scout Pack 83, Den 1; and Boy Scout Troop 201, along with numerous Madison citizens.

During a recent legion meeting, Commander Woods presented a letter of recognition and certificate to Keith Cosby, who accepted the documents for his daughter, Kindle Cosby. “The members of Post 229 wanted to recognize his daughter’s service and support to the organization during numerous functions and activities over the previous year,” Woods said.

At American Legion’s meeting on Jan. 11, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Durst of Madison, who are members of Post 229, presented a donation to the building fund for a post headquarters. “Post 229 currently does not have a permanent home. We are pursuing efforts to raise funds to establish our own facility,” Woods said.

American Legion, Post 229 currently meets monthly on the second Thursday at 7 p.m. in Lunar Lodge 918, F&AM of Alabama at 740 Eastview Drive in Madison.

Prospective members or any individual or organization interested in donating to the post’s building fund can call 256-258-8534 or email Admin@AmericanLegionPost229.org. The postal address is American Legion, Post 229, P.O. Box 194, Madison AL 35758.