LUSK – On June 29 American Legion local, state and national leaders gathered to honor the Ferdinand Branstetter American Legion Post 1 of Van Tassell, Wyo. Founded in Paris, France in 1919, The American Legion holds a long and enviable history of service to the nation and to the veterans of the nation’s wars.

Covering those formative years of rapid growth, Legion records are not always exact, but it is determined that the Van Tassell, Wyo post was among the first four posts organized within the nation, their charters were all signed on the same day.

Named for Ferdinand Branstetter, a resident of Van Tassell and one of the first to cross the seas and fall on the Field of Honor, Post Number 1 has led the roll of chartered posts through out the history of Legion’s Wyoming Department in service to community, state and nation.

The 100 Year Celebration was organized and hosted by members of both the Lusk Post and the Van Tassell Post. Ed Tirado led the committee of other members in organizing the celebration, which was held at the Niobrara County Fair grounds.

The celebration began at 10 a.m. with various guest speakers including Congresswoman Liz Cheney and other state leaders.

A history of the American Legion, Introduction of the Veterans of Niobrara County and a no-host lunch provided by the Angry Irishman were all part of the day’s activities.

Following the planned activities the Legion hosted a free dance with music by Dakota Country.

This celebration was held in conjunction with other American Legion 100 year celebrations around the country including a 100^th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program.