By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Hours after the ribbon cutting at the Pelham Senior Center expansion Nov. 5, dozens of residents filled the new multi-purpose room for American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555’s annual family night.

“This is all about giving back. That’s what my son did,” said Post Commander Barry Blount. “This is Thanksgiving. What better way to bring everybody together and say, ‘Thank you for everything you have done?’ That essentially is what this is about: Our fellow man, our loved ones.”

Blount said the post looks forward to family night every year as a chance to show everyone what Post 555 is all about. The event tripled in size from last year with about 100 people in attendance.

Among the crowd were Pelham Mayor Gary Waters, Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer and all the Pelham City Council members.

After taking care of some brief business, the potluck style dinner was served.

“It’s been a wonderful response,” said Sgt. of Arms Anita Bennett. “We just love being involved in the community. That’s part of what we do, it’s a big part of what we do.”

Bennett said she enjoyed being able to meet so many people who attended the dinner, and speaking with other veterans that weren’t aware of what American Legion does.

The evening was also an opportunity to remember veterans. At the front of the room was a display meant to represent the fallen soldiers.

Bennett said the United States is losing its World War II veterans very quickly, which makes honoring those individuals even more important.

“Having the families here has been wonderful because they can see what we do, they can also become a part of it,” she said.

Matthew Blount Post 555 reaches out to the community in many facets from the American Legion baseball league to events around Shelby County. Bennett said the post is collecting donations for the VA hospital next month.

“We want the families to be involved. I love to see veterans connect,” she said. “I’ve been out of the service for quite a while, since 1989. I waited a long time before I involved myself in anything. When I was looking for a post, I was looking for something specific. This was the place for me. This is home.”