American Legion celebrates birthday today

American Legion Post 158 today will participate in the legion's worldwide observance of its 89th anniversary beginning with a 5:30 p.m. social hour followed by a 6:45 p.m. dinner served by the auxiliary.

Guests include national, state and district officers, the mayor, city council and county commissioners.

The American Legion was founded March 15 to 17, 1919, during a caucus in Paris, France, attended by representatives of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.

The organization has since opened its ranks to members of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Panama, Granada and those involved in Desert Storm.

American Legion Post 158 commander Dick Decker invites all eligible war veterans of the area to become members. Post meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the American Legion hall on North High and Mary streets in Jackson.