The veterans of the Wiley B. Murray Post No. 27 will meet Thursday, September 14th, at the Legion Hall in San Saba. The door will open at 5:30 p.m., and a meal of brisket, beans, and baked potatoes will be served at 6:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a complimentary covered side dish, salad or dessert.
The business meeting will follow to include the election of new officers for the 20232024 year. Special guests will be Boy Scout Troop No. 55, who will post and retire the colors, and the new District (21) Commander, Jeff Meurer of San Angelo.
The American Legion reminds the public to utilize the retired flag drop box located between the public library and the police department across from the courthouse.
Local Students to Address Veterans This summer, Post No. 27 sponsored John R. Ham for the 2023 “Boys State” program. Ham is a senior at San Saba High School and is active with Boy Scouts, golf, band, cross country, and football.
He participates in Academic UIL, and recently qualified for state in “Number Sense.” He is currently on track to earn the Eagle Scout rank. Ham’s ultimate goal is to attend the US Air Force Academy.
Jefferson Stencil, a San Saba sophomore and member of Boy Scout Troop No. 55, is also on track to become an Eagle Scout. His project is a local museum memorial for San Saba native Lieutenant Commander Heywood Lane Edwards. Edwards was one of the first American casualties of World War II, more than a month before the Japanese Empire attack on Pearl Harbor. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1926.
Edwards assumed command of USS Reuben James 6 April 1940. His ship became the first in the US Navy to be sunk in the Battle of the Atlantic when it was torpedoed by a German submarine while on convoy duty west of Iceland in October 1941. Edwards and 99 of his crew perished with the ship. In 1943, the destroyer USS Heywood L. Edwards was named in his honor.