New officers were installed on Aug. 7 at American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16, Slatington. District and state officers came to help with the ceremony.

Mike Bodnar, eastern vice commander for the state, said in 2010 there were more than 200,000 members and now the number is down to 149,000. He noted that the 100th anniversary is being celebrated in 2019. The new commander, Jim Gourniak Sr., said the first thing he would do would be to appoint a celebration committee.Special coins have been made and will be raffled during the anniversary.In the invocation, Earl Snyder, adjutant and past chaplain, said, "Send your peace to our nation and to all nations."John Hedneck Jr., first vice commander, removed the cover from the empty chair, part of each meeting, in the hope that POWs and MIAs may yet be found from any war and returned home.Commander George Burke led the preamble to the constitution of the American Legion.Gordon Giannotti was announced as the Lehigh County commander.Tina Ressler was installation officer for the auxiliary. Jesse Ritz, 14th district adjutant and acting sergeant-at-arms, called the new officers to the front of the room.The officers were told to "Preserve the integrity of the American Legion and this Auxiliary." As the gavel is passed to the new president it was used to ring the bell one chime, indicating a willingness to serve. This was for all four divisions of the Legion.Auxiliary officers are: Judy Burke, president; Jeralyn Walters, vice president; Lori Giannotti, sergeant-at-arms; Linda Nails, secretary; Toni Snyder, treasurer; Terry Miller, historian; and Linda Kistler, chaplain.The Sons of American Legion Squadron 16 were installed by Denise Harner, 14th district commander. Squadron officers are Steve Bailey, commander; Jim Mark, first vice commander; Conway Hughes, second vice commander; Dean Shellhamer, first sergeant-at-arms; Mark Benninger, finance officer; and Brian Schoch, adjutant.The Legion Riders had patches on their vests. One read, "For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we will never forget you," and another was "Ride no faster than your guardian angel can fly."Legion Rider officers are Herb Logan, president; Bonnie Lenhart, secretary; Ken Kresge, treasurer; Matt Gossy, road captain; Bill Slough, sergeant-at-arms; and Patti Slough, chaplain.Gourniak was joined at the podium by George Burke, past commander. In his address to the Legion, the commander said no worthy comrade is turned away without reason. It is the 99th year of the Legion. A statewide celebration will be held. It will keep the wonderful, great heritage.In 1919 following World War I a group of 20 men were asked for ideas to increase military morale. Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt suggested forming a national organization that became known as the American Legion.Officers are Jim Gourniak Sr., commander; Gordon Giannotti, first vice commander; John Hedneck Jr., junior vice commander; Earl Snyder, adjutant; Bob Churetta, finance officer; Alexandria Haas, chaplain; Bernie Dugan, senior sergeant-at-arms; and Dennis Ziegler, junior sergeant-at-arms.