The Dietrich-Luhman American Legion Post 360 of Weatherly, took the occasion of its 100th anniversary to bury a time capsule by the Legion’s flagpole.

“It’s to honor the 100th anniversary of the Legion, which happened in 2019, but the COVID caused it to be postponed,” Post Chaplain Donald Adams said.

Griffiths Funeral Home of Weatherly donated the monument for the time capsule and Jim Hoffman of Laserworx LLC donated the plaque. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary helped in putting the donated items into the capsule.

Adams led the program, giving a brief history of the Legion Post 360, named after Francis Dietrich, a World War I veteran; and John K. Luhman, a World War II veteran.

Georgeann Herling, president of the Weatherly Ladies Auxiliary Unit 360, offered her remarks.

“I’m very proud to be a member of the American Legion family, who has been in existence for over 100 years, and I hope we’ll be here in another 100 years to continue to educate our children and youth on the principles of Americanism, patriotism, responsible citizenship, and love of country.”

Shane Moran, a history teacher at the Weatherly Area School District, and who was instrumental in the time capsule project, spoke about how the faculty, administration, and students were involved in putting together the time capsule and deciding what would go in it.

The students donated patriotic coloring sheets, pictures, and notes to their future selves. Some put what they hoped the future would hold for themselves and for the nation.

Other items include photographs, newspaper clippings that mention various local organizations, sports tickets, and a list of the price of things as they were in 2019.

The Legion included poppies along with news clippings and copies of the addresses from the town’s 100th observance of Veterans Day. The Weatherly Education Association purchased a coin from the U.S. Mint commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Legion. Military members donated items as well, including challenge coins, something significant to all branches of the military, which is a part of their military identity.

“What was important to those people one hundred years ago, just as it is as important to the people of today,” Moran offered, “is that nothing can be taken for granted. So, to see many members of our great community here today is excellent. A person that lives history, loves history, and values history, is teaching that history happens every day. You are at a moment of history right now; and the people standing around you are part of it as well. And even the people that are no longer here with us are a part of it, for they have helped and made this great community and nation a better place.”

Adams then officially made the dedication.

“We dedicate this time capsule in memory of all the veterans who have served in the military from Weatherly in the past 100 years of the American Legion’s existence. We honor the memory of their courage and sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”

The ceremony ended with a gun salute by the honor guard.