Alva Review-Courier -

Beginning in 1925 the American Legion Hatch-Vincent Post #63 has been an active part of our community here in Freedom, Oklahoma. Times have changed a lot over the years and so has our facility. In 1976 and 1977 the legionnaires, hard-working auxiliary, and members of the community proudly replaced the older, worn building with a new, larger facility that has been a staple for use here in town. Hard-working members of the community came together later to build and dedicate the monument on the corner of Main Street in honor of those of us here who have served.

Hatch-Vincent has hosted dances and events of all kinds throughout the years while supporting the community and its initiatives proudly. Freedom, Oklahoma, serves as home to one of the best veteran organization facilities in Northwest Oklahoma. The surrounding area with Alabaster Caverns, Selman Bat Caves, Cargill Salt Plant and the breathtaking bluff view have a rich and interesting history and people come from all over to visit and view the area. Our veteran population, past and present, also have hearty histories.

If we allow our facilities to degrade and go neglected we are not honoring our town's forefathers and we are not being the best that we can be. Taking pride in our infrastructure is something the entire town needs to consider. It is vital that we continue to come together as a community in these unsure times. Helping and supporting one another is something our town has always been good at. The stronger the Legion becomes, the more we can contribute to important endeavors that will keep the town alive and well. No one organization or person can do it alone.

Our legionnaires and auxiliary would be honored to have a hand at updating and upgrading a few things around the building. Some of what will be done is pressure washing the concrete dance floor outside, treating and repairing the wooden fence, changing out locks, replacing filters, filling in cracks, replacing lighting and much more, and we need the community's help.

This Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m., bring a dish (for potluck meal at noon), hammers, nails and gloves and be ready to put in a little time and elbow grease. Let’s keep our Legion building amazing for our community and those who utilize the property, and support a local organization.