Former American Legion Post 66 Commander R.K. Whiteford. Photo from website of American Legion Harold Byrd Post 66.

I was writing a short post to remind you about today’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Decatur Cemetery, but got a little sidetracked.

I ran across this letter on the website for American Legion Harold Byrd Post 66. The post is in Avondale Estates.

Members of the post will lead memorial services beginning at 11 a.m.

R.K. Whiteford, the post commander in 1943, wrote about how he raised money for the purchase of the clubhouse. “Most of you were in World War II at that time,” Whiteford writes in this account posted on the website. Whiteford, who had a background in newspapers, talks about how he raised money for the clubhouse so his “buddies” would have a place to get together when they returned from the war. He got a little help along the way from some prominent members of the Decatur community.

The letter, written in 1962, begins, “Our commander, Jack Lyon, ask that I give you a brief history of the purchase of our clubhouse. If I seem to be a bit running off at the mouth please bear with an old man for he has nothing to do but talk.”

Whiteford’s account is charming and funny throughout.

The whole thing is worth a read. To see it, click here.