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100 years

Published September 11. 2024 05:20PM
by BILL LEINER JR. Special to The Press
American Legion Post 215 celebrates milestone with music, food, presentations

In a once-in-a-hundred-year event, Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, located at 330 Second St., celebrated its centennial at the Post’s social hall Sept. 7.

The event opened with deejay Jayden Reed, of North Catasauqua, playing popular music, and Catasauqua historian Deb Mellish, speaking on the Post’s history. Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed food, fellowship and raffles.

Kitchen staff included two Sons of the Catasauqua American Legion, Willie Garcia and Chip Smisko.

There was much reminiscing and reconnecting as a number of veteran members attended.

Of note were Pete Lawall, a U.S. Navy Korean War-era veteran who has been a member of the Post for 48 years. Lawall shared that his father, William, a World War I veteran, was one of the first members of the Post.

Another longtime Post member in attendance was Terry Kramsley, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era. He touted being a member of the Post for 44 years. Combined, Lawall and Kramsley total 90-plus years of membership at Catasauqua American Legion.

Post 215 Commander Mike Rennig was delighted with the 100th year commemoration. Rennig has two brothers, and all three are honored with Hometown Heroes banners, located on Front and Union streets in Catasauqua. The Hometown Heroes banners were a joint effort by Post 215 and the borough’s civic organization — Catasauqua Main Streets.

Rennig said he was happy his grandson, Nathaniel Longhorn, a current active duty serviceman in the U.S. Army, was home on leave to attend the 100th anniversary event. Rennig has a number of veterans of different generations in his family tree, and one relative veteran was also a Post 215 commander years ago.

Mellish’s presentation involved an in-depth PowerPoint presentation on the Post’s history.

The afternoon was capped by raffle drawings and the friendship of attendees that included folks at the bar area who came to the Post to watch football games — but got caught up enjoying the centennial celebration just as much.

American Legion posts are found throughout the United States and serve as a social center for veterans, their families, friends and a touchpoint for the general public.

To join Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, visit the Post during open hours for a membership application. The Post is open 1-6 p.m. Sundays, 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 3-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Call 610-264-1606 for more information.

PRESS PHOTOS BY BILL LEINER JR.Nathaniel Longhorn, currently in the U.S. Army, and his grandfather Mike Rennig, a U.S. Navy veteran and Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 commander, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Post during an event held Sept. 7 at the 330 Second St. site.
Catasauqua Borough historian Deb Mellish is ready for her PowerPoint presentation about the history of the Post.
Sons of the Catasauqua American Legion members, Willie Garcia and Chip Smisko help staff the kitchen at the Post’s event.
Attendees are ready for an afternoon of celebration and fun.
PRESS PHOTOS BY BILL LEINER JR.North Catasauqua firefighter and deejay Jayden Reed provides popular music as entertainment.
Becky Waters, of Wescoesville, and Tanya Waters, of Whitehall, welcome guests to the anniversary event.
Pete Lawall, a U.S. Navy Korean War-era veteran, and Terry Kramsley, a U.S. Army Vietnam-era veteran, reminisce about their experiences in the military during Catasauqua American Legion Post 215’s 100th anniversary event, held Sept. 7 at the 330 Second St. site.