GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - In honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary, American Legion Posts across the nation are celebrating the centennial in various fashions. That includes Gridley’s American Legion Post 210, which is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Celebration Saturday, May 4th from 5:00-8:00 at Veterans Memorial Hall.

Post 210 has planned an evening full of good food and company, musical entertainment and possibly even a sip or two of wine to commemorate the century mark of the American Legion and its legacy of excellence.

The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the United States. Historically, the American Legion has always had a hand in helping others, especially Veterans. The American Legion helped get the GI Bill passed, securing rights and protecting Veterans.

The legion has been partnered with the Boy Scouts of America programs and National Education Association, offering scholarship opportunities, while also providing disaster relief and aid throughout numerous national disasters including the Great Depression, major hurricanes and 9-11.

Gridley’s South Butte Post 210 sponsors student representatives for the Boys State and Girls State programs, provides scholarships opportunities to local high school students, assists fellow veterans in need and focuses on providing color guard services for Veterans’ memorial services.

Commander Owen Stiles has been with the Gridley American Legion Post for a little over 20 years and has been Commanding the post for 6 years. Post 210, he relates, was formed in 1923 after the First World War by local veterans. There were between 12-15 members listed on the original charter. Now, Post 210 boasts over 60 members, but not all actively participate in the organization’s activities.

The Gridley post is hoping to recruit more active military members and Veterans with honorable discharges to their organization willing to forward their work in service to their county and fellow Veterans. Commander Stiles says that it is “an honor to fellowship with other Veterans and be of service to those in need, helping to protect veterans’ rights through the American Legion.” Stiles and the rest of Post 210 encourage anyone interested in joining to reach out to the post.

Although the Gridley 100th Anniversary celebration is not a fundraiser, proceeds will go towards American Legion Post 210 operations. The event is open to ticket holders with Veterans and active duty military members invited to attend for free. Tickets can be purchased for $10.00. Contact Commander Owen Stiles to purchase tickets or for more information at (530) 846-0549.