Slayton- American Legion National Commander to speak

official portrait of National Commander James LaCoursiere

EVENT DETAILS:

WHO:                    American Legion members, community leaders and local citizens
WHAT:                   Lunch and remarks from National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr.
WHERE:                4-H Building of Murray County Fairgrounds, 3048 Broadway Ave.
WHEN:                  From 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. with best media availability before or after the program

American Legion National Commander to speak in Slayton on March 28

~~ Members of the media and public are invited to attend ~~

American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. of Connecticut is coming to Slayton and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans. LaCoursiere is strongly committed to raising awareness for The American Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide.

“It is the most significant issue facing veterans,” he told the national convention after being elected in August. “It is the most significant issue of our time. It’s also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.”

He will visit the 4-H Building at the Murray County Fairgrounds at 3048 Broadway Ave. for a lunch and presentation starting at 11:45 a.m. Friday, March 28, and talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents. The visit is hosted by Slayton American Legion Post 64. Any local residents wishing to attend can contact Post 64 Commander Brad Pagel at 605-366-3025.

The American Legion also is focused on stopping veteran claim sharks, passage of the Major Richard Star Act (which eliminates concurrent receipt on military retirement pensions), implementation of the PACT Act, parity for the federal definition of a veteran, full accountability of POW/MIAs, ending veteran homelessness, paying the Coast Guard during federal shutdowns, and passage of an amendment to protect the U.S. flag from desecration.

The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the Four Pillars of veterans’ rehabilitation, national defense, Americanism and youth. Legionnaires continue their service by working for the betterment of their community, state and nation.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Media may arrive at any time during the visit. We will be happy to feed you.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHO:                    American Legion members, community leaders and local citizens
WHAT:                   Lunch and remarks from National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr.
WHERE:                4-H Building of Murray County Fairgrounds, 3048 Broadway Ave.
WHEN:                  From 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. with best media availability before or after the program

ONLINE:   mnlegion.org        legionnaire.org

THE TOUR:

Monday, March 24
During the day: visits with state veterans affairs commissioner,
Minn. National Guard commander and Minneapolis VA director
Forest Lake Post 225: social and dinner, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday, March 25
Apple Valley Post 1776: breakfast, 8 a.m.
Pine Island Post 184: lunch, 11:30 a.m.
La Crescent Post 595 (L.C. Area Event Center): social and dinner, 5:20 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26
Eyota Post 551: breakfast, 8 a.m.
Faribault Post 43: social and dinner, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 27
Fridley Post 303: breakfast, 8 a.m.
Buffalo Post 270: lunch, 11:40 a.m.
Paynesville Post 271: social and dinner, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 28
Granite Falls Post 69, held at Fagan Fighters WWII Museum: breakfast, 7:55 a.m.
Slayton Post 64, held at 4-H Bldg. in Murray County Fairgrounds, lunch, 11:45 a.m.

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