The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Post 144 commander Barry Smith addresses the crowd.
The anniversary cake.
can Legion Post. It was decided to name it after two Belmont lads who had been killed in the war- William Auten and Charles Stowe. A year later, March 29, 1922, Post 144 received its charter. For many years, Post 144 members met at a building called the “Community Center”. In 1952, the headquarters were located to its current location on Park Dr. near Davis Park. Over the decades, Post 144 has been active in many civic affairs. In 1922, it organized the first volunteer fire dept. in Belmont. The group was instrumental in seeing that a memorial was built in Greenwood Cemetery honoring local WWI soldiers who had been killed in action. This
POST 144 From Page 1 Connie Atkins and Courtney Bowne sang patriotic songs. Rev. Joe Lawing delivered a heartfelt invocation. Following the speeches, everyone attacked the two 100th anniversary cakes, washed them down with plenty of soda pop, and enjoyed a beautiful spring morning with plenty of Belmont-style “liberté, égalité, fraternité” (that’s liberty, equality, fraternity” in French). A Brief History of Post 144 Post 144 got its start on March 20, 1921 when a group of WWI Belmont veterans decided to form an Ameri-
Mickey Lineberger, Jeff Gibson, Rev. Joe Lawing and Kent Hyde chatting before the Post 144 event.
monument was dedicated on August 15, 1922. Post 144 has also made it possible each year since the 1960s for local students to attend the oneweek Boys and Girls State seminar held at Catawba College. This program allows the students to study politics and government during their stay. Post 144 was also active in the campaign that saw the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue moved from its former location at Belmont Middle School to front and center at Stowe Park. Seeing the statue in its current location is a highlight of any visit to downtown Belmont. Each Memorial Day, Post 144 places American flags on veteran graves in Greenwood Cemetery and other locations. It also organizes Memorial
American Legion NC commander Jim BSA Troop 56 members Jesse Whaley and Quinlan speaks. Logan Lacata greeted attendees.
Day and Veterans Day events. Baseball has been a big part of Post 144’s legacy. It has sponsored team since the 1930s and is still active in baseball to this day. Each year Post 144 holds a gala Christmas celebration. Traditionally, an outstanding local citizen receives the Community Service Award at the event. Currently, Post 144 has over 200 members who share a strong bond of comradeship and camaraderie. Also, here’s a list of upcoming Post 144 events Memorial Day Weekend put out flags and breakfast. Gun Raffle tickets begin sales in June - Drawing TBD. August 27 - 100th year of Post 144 receiving charter from National American Legion,
Post 144 members Jim Payne and Pat Chaparro.
Belmont mayor Charles Martin and Monica Lockwood cut the Courtney Bowen (left) and Connie Atkins singing “God Bless America”. cake.
Rev. Joe Lawing gives the invocation.
Photos by Alan Hodge
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September 17th - Fish Fry. October 8th - SAL Golf Tournament (this date is tentative). November 11th - Veterans Day. December 10th - Army/
Navy football game. Also remember that regular meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM, but do not meet in July or December.
Monica Lockwood, vice commander NC Dist. 22 looks at the plaque in front of Post 144.
The East Gaston High JROTC color guard
Jesse Whaley leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Post 144 memorabilia table.
