A grand party for a noble group

Happy 100th Birthday!
Blooming Prairie American Legion and auxiliary members were in fine tune Friday night, March 15 when singing Happy Birthday to signify the 100th birthday of the Legion.
A giant-sized American Legion birthday celebration was held at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club. An estimated 110 celebrants attended.
It was a very ceremonial night with Otto T. Lund American Legion Post 52 Commander Karl Luiken and Auxiliary President Susie Thorson leading the festivities. Both, with the help of other Legionnaires and Auxiliary members, traced the post's history in prayer, word and song.
Most notable about the local observance was that it occurred 100 years to the date on March 15, 1919. The organization was founded on March 15, 1919, at the American Club near Place de la Concorde in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces, and it was chartered on Sept. 16, 1919, by the U.S. Congress.
Post 52 was chartered on Aug. 8, 1919. The post was named after Otto Thompson Lund who was born on Aug. 20, 1899 in Copenhagen, Denmark to parents Christopher and Bertha.
Lund emigrated to America at age 10, and after a couple of stops, he ended in Blooming Prairie. He had seven brothers and five sisters. Lund served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He was killed on Aug. 2, 1918, fighting in the Second Battle of Marne.
Lund is buried or memorialized at Plot B Row 11 Grave 23, Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Fere-en-Tardenois, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.
Luiken informed birthday anniversary visitors that 100,000 Americans died in France during World War I.
The scene at this 100th birthday party carried a decorative flavor with a huge American flag (owned by Fred Voukon) posted on stage. Several tables also featured artifacts of Legion Post 52 and its auxiliary.
A beautifully preserved copy of the Otto T. Lund charter was on display and featured names of the 15 charter members.
Larry Otto, First District chaplain, offered the invocation and also delivered the closing prayer.
Commander Luiken released all table guests to enjoy a delicious evening meal featuring Swedish meatballs and gravy.
Luiken organized much of the Post 52 history. With Auxiliary President Thorson, Luiken presented floral boutineres to local Legion and Auxiliary members who helped organize the 100th birthday party. Receiving the flowers were: Nancy Vaillancourt (not present), Gary Thorson, Evelyn Kubista, Burt Knutson and Ken Trom.
Emily Otto, wife of Ellendale Legion member Larry Otto, read a touching poem dedicated to veterans and entitled Just a Simple Soldier.
Commander Luiken read the names of the 15 Post 52 Legion charter members. President Thorson followed with brief biographies of the charter members.
Charter members are Hans H.P. Hansen, Irving Ille, John Flanagan, Albert Rye, R.K. Brainerd, O. R. Wiger, Frank Rysavy, D.l. Brainerd, Selmer A. Ulland, W.J. Dailey, J.E. Price, Martn Nelson (first Otto Lund commander), Mark Cochlin, Thomas Bergin and Albert Jolson.
Daniel Moeckly of the Steele County Historical Society, informed guests about current efforts to create a Legion exhibit commemorating 100 years of the Legion. Social media will play a major role in creating the exhibit, said Moeckly.
Restoring the history of the American Legion points to the four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
Legion member Tom Walters presented a brief overview of the development of the BP Veterans Memorial. He said the goal is to have "everything in place" by Flag Day, June 14, 2019.
Walters sincerely thanked and saluted the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 52 for its leadership on the project.
First District Legion Commander Gary Miller recognized Post 52 for its part in 100 years of history.
President Thorson outlined activities of the local American Legion: sewing, Quilts of Valor; scholarships; Girls State; donations to the Servicemen's club; gifts to veterans; Veterans Hospital donations and Poppy Day.
Luiken outlined activities of the local American Legion: baseball; Boys State; Legionville; scholarships; charitable organizations; corrections facilities in Red Wing; new veterans home in Preston; lobbying on Capitol Hill and the Servicemen's Act of 1944 (GI Bill).
"We are doing all we can to support our communities," remarked Luiken. "Let us go now and carry on the work of the American Legion."