Albany American Legion Post 512 celebrates Juneteenth Freedom Day
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany American Legion Post is celebrating Juneteenth, the first time they’ve held the program here at Post 512 in half a decade.
To Vice Commander, James Carter Sr., he couldn’t have been happier for the massive turnout Post 512 had.
“I’m gonna tell you something, I was impressed. I sat up there, trying not to get bug-eyed. But, I was so thankful and grateful that enough individuals cared on a holiday, when they could’ve been off to come out and learn something about Juneteenth. That’s what amazes me…” said James Carter Sr., Vice Commander, American Legion Post 512.
The American Legion Post last hosted a Juneteenth program in 2019, and Board Member, Tonya Swinney wanted to bring it back…
Especially since Juneteenth has become a recognized holiday in the time since.
And… Tonya wanted to spread the lesson to others in south Albany.
“We try to share this type of thing with the community so they can get them involved. They bring their friends, family, their children, nieces, nephews, everyone, because we are all involved with this,” said Tonya Swinney, Exec. Board, American Legion Post 512.
For the veterans of Post 512 to be able to put on a program like this for the first time in five years means so much to them.
“Having something like this just shows what veterans have contributed to our country. And, I wanted to make sure the American Legion continues that legacy. And, they do, and they support that legacy about what the veterans, and some of the things we went and fought for, no matter what…” said Carter Sr.
The large turnout they experienced Wednesday will bode well for the lesson they want to spread through south Albany.
“It’s very important for Post 512 to keep the hope alive. We have to remind everyone in our community that we’re all important. When you start forgetting your liberty, your equality disappears with that. And, as a community, and a collective, we are free. And we at post 512 want to keep that memory alive as much as possible,” said Swinney.
But the overwhelming turnout Wednesday already has post 512 looking forward to how they can expand for next year.
Post 512 originally began Juneteenth programs in 2018.
Brian Roche reporting.
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