Julie Dill, Executive Director of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, gave the welcoming speech to the American Legion District 10 Fall convention. District 10 consists of 27 central Texas American Legion Posts stretching from Blanco to Brenham. Memorial Highway Post 352 of Blanco hosted the semi-annual convention at the Gem of the Hills Center on Saturday, October 11th.

District 45 State Representative Patrick Rose was the keynote speaker. Mr. Rose spoke about his personal participation in the American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation programs and the Oratorical Scholarship Contest in 1996 and how they shaped his life. Representative Rose pledged his assistance in promoting those programs in this area. He also spoke about Texas veteran’s issues.

Many local merchants contributed items to a silent auction and Blanco Masonic Lodge 216 provided great brisket for lunch which was served by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 352 and Junior Unit 352 assisted by Blanco and LBJ High School National Honor Societies.

There are 50,000 American Legion Posts world wide with almost 3,000,000 members dedicated to helping veterans and their families, mentoring youth, insuring a strong national security and promoting patriotism & honor. Wartime veterans and their spouses are always welcome to meetings which are held fourth Thursdays at 6:30p.m. at 803 13th Street in Blanco.