Photos by Gwen Sour From left, Flo Harpold listens to American Legion Auxiliary District 11 President Jane Klug discuss her appreciation for the efforts of all the posts within the district, during the district meeting Saturday.

The organization is comprised of family members of veterans and promotes patriotism, veteran advocacy and community service. Ohio’s District 11 consists of posts in Washington, Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties, including Post 495 in Belpre.

At the beginning of the conference at the Belpre Congregational Church, two symbolic ceremonies were highlighted: the POW/MIA table and the Military Child’s Table.

For the American Legion Auxiliary, the Military Child’s Table includes meaningful symbols such as a flowering plant, birthday decorations, sports equipment and family photos.

These items represent the sacrifices made by military children and the moments sometimes missed due to their parents’ service.

Photo by Gwen Sour Flo Harpold of American Legion Auxiliary Post 495 greets attendees at Saturday morning’s meeting.

Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the organization’s ongoing service.

“I am always honored to be among those who dedicate so much to our veterans,” Abdella said. “Your commitment to honoring military families and supporting your communities is deeply valued.”

In her remarks, Abdella highlighted several developments in Belpre, including infrastructure improvements, park upgrades and the planned construction of a children’s hospital by Memorial Health System.

Eric Clark, a 30-year Navy veteran and president of the Belpre Area Veterans, shared the story behind the creation of the independent veterans group after the local American Legion post closed.

“We want to do whatever we can to help our veterans in the community and the community itself,” said Clark.

The Belpre Area Veterans have also been active in community service, conducting seasonal food drives. According to Clark, their fall drive collected 25 tubs of food and raised $1,500, while a more recent spring effort brought in 21 tubs and $1,100.

American Legion Auxiliary District 11 President Jane Klug emphasized the importance of community-building and leadership development. Klug used the metaphor of a pear tree to highlight the patience and support needed for organizational growth.

“The pear tree bears fruit, but it takes time for the roots to grow strong,” she said. “Think of the community as the soil and us as the roots. We nourish the community and in turn, bear the fruit of our programs.”

The event celebrated the achievements of the auxiliary posts based on several categories, including Americanism, Children and Youth, Junior Activities and Community Service.

Some of the activities the posts engage in include:

• Providing Halloween safety coloring books.

• Distributing anti-bullying and youth suicide prevention materials.

• Donating toys, clothes, and school supplies for children in need.

• Supporting local sports teams and school trips.

• Sponsoring youth in programs like Special Olympics.

• Over 2,000 hours of community service across nine units.

• Building Christmas stockings for veterans in nursing homes

• Handing out free sack lunches to over 100 community children.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.