Lehigh County American Legion held its 30th annual veterans dinner Nov. 7 at Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St.

Catasauqua Post Commander Michael Rennig said he was honored to host the event.

Rennig, installed last August as the Catasauqua Post commander, acknowledged a reduced turnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He welcomed a panoply of Lehigh County Legion and local Legion leaders.

Rennig’s goals for 2021 are to continue the American Legion’s traditions and increase both membership numbers and activities at the Post. When he accepted the commander role, he said, he saw his job as increasing cooperation within the Legion and increasing the Legion’s presence in the Catasauqua community at-large.

The annual veterans dinner was an evening of good food, drinks, fellowship and important reconnecting among the attendees. Some present had not seen others for months because of the pandemic.

Lehigh County Legion Commander George D. Burke, also commander of Slatington Legion Post 16, was the master of ceremonies at the dinner. Burke’s Lehigh County Legion adjutant, James Gourniak Sr., attended. An adjutant is a military officer who acts as an administrative assistant to a senior officer.

Other Lehigh County Legion leaders in attendance were Finance Officer Thomas Bohner, also commander of Hokendauqua American Legion Post 739, and Sergeant at Arms John Treiber, also commander of Fullerton American Legion Post 367.

Carol White, commander of Allentown American Legion Post 576, also attended the dinner.

Two other dignitaries in attendance were David Altrichter, a past Lehigh County Legion commander, and Mike Bodner, a former Lehigh County commander, former Pennsylvania district commander and former Eastern Pennsylvania section commander.

Burke and Rennig offered brief remarks. Joseph Vassa introduced the main speaker - state Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd. Mako recently returned from active duty and was re-elected in the 2020 general election.

To join Catasauqua American Legion as a social member, call 610-264-1606. You can also visit legion.org for more general information. Membership is open to all. You do not have to be a veteran to join.