Palmer American Legion honoring 9/11 first responders with Patriot Day Dinner

WASILLA — American Legion Post 15 is hosting a Patriot Day Dinner Friday evening to honor the sacrifices made by first responders during the 9/11 terror attack.

“I think it’s extremely important especially, especially to service clubs like this. We see these guys every day. This is where they drink. We see the police officers every day. We see the military people every day. I think maybe as a service club, we’re closer to what’s going on, and we’re very grateful for our guys,” Post 15 club manager Duree French said.

All first responders attending this event will receive half off for their dinners. American Legion staff will be serving meals that include prime rib, and chicken and dumplings. There will be karaoke and a beer garden outside with McLeod Lake visible from the deck.

French said their auxiliary is donating furniture to the Pioneer Home on Monday. She said that she’s been involved with the Legion for three years and one of favorite things about their organization is the broad scope of community support reaching beyond veterans to the greater community.

“We also deal with children, the women’s shelter, food banks… We try to stay in the Valley. This is a very giving and caring place. I think that really appeals to me,” French said.

The Legion always has something going on throughout the year, according to French. She said they typically have a cause of the month for dedicated fund raising. She said that donations from the community fuel their overall efforts.

“We’re always looking for support, even small donations,” French said.

Post 15 finance officer Don Maupin said the legion supports numerous local charities and organizations. He said they sponsor local baseball teams and boy scout troops.

Sponsors local organizations like boy scouts and baseball teams

“We’re here for veterans, community, and children,” Maupin said.

Maupin pointed out that children today weren’t even born during 9/11, so there’s an extra sense of urgency to raise awareness with events like theirs to recognize the significance of the first responders and subsequent actions of active military after the attack.

He noted there’s numerous Valley veterans who signed up around that time, with some retiring while others remain in active service.

“[The first responders] they’re the initial heroes from this, since then all our troops that make the sacrifice to the ultimate and their family members,” Maupin said. “I think most of us remember where they were that day.”

Post 15 has been in the Valley since 1938. They’re currently constructing a new handicap rail that will be covered and heated.

Doors open at 2 p.m. with the Patriot Day Dinner running from 5:30 to 8:30. Karaoke starts at 7 p.m. and the post closes after midnight. For more information, call 907-745-4440.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com