By JIM LUTGENS
Staff Writer
When it comes to the New Richland American Legion, the old guard might be getting a little too old.
Norm Eckart, Adjuctant for Post 75, said it’s time for some younger people — like it or not — to join and be active with the post and Color Guard for funerals and parades.
“We’ve got guys 90 years old actually with the Color Guard,” said Eckart, who at 69 is the second-youngest member of the group. “And, one by one, we’ve been burying them. We had five or six funerals in July. We’ve got to get some younger blood in there. I’m just not sure how to do it.”
As Adjuctant the last four years, Eckart has handled all paperwork for the post and he’s seen a decline in membership, especially since the closing of the club in 2010. He recalls membership being upwards of 100. Now, it’s around 85 and falling. A couple members transferred to Waseca.Cost shouldn’t be an issue. Dues are $35 a year and lifetime memberships are available.
“You have one beer, that’s three bucks,” said Eckart. “You give up one beer a month, that’s your membership.”
Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces is qualified, and Eckart encourages veterans to become involved. He knows there are people in the area who could do it.
“Right now, we have World War II and Vietnam War veterans in the Color Guard,” said Eckart. “We need some younger guys. There are a lot of them out there, I know, that are in that 30 to 40-year-old age class. We’ve got to get some of the younger guys available to help for funerals and stuff.”
Eckart said Post 75 offers military funeral services for any local veteran, regardless if they’re a member of the Amercian Legion.
If anyone out there is ready, willing and able to help, they can give Eckart a call at 463-3441 or contact Post 75 Commander Geoff Jessen at 463-8469.
The New Richland American Legion Post 75 was founded in 1919. The post’s bar and club rooms operated from 1968 to 2010 next to the bowling alley on South Broadway. The building was sold and currently operates as a storage facility.
Post 75 now holds its meetings in the building just north of the Star Eagle on North Broadway.