Second Annual Constitution Dinner Thursday

Cookeville’s American Legion Post 46 will host former national commander James “Bill” Oxford at its second annual Constitution Dinner Thursday.

Event Coordinator Rich Buford said Oxford will speak about the importance of the constitution to this country. Buford said he hopes those at the dinner will leave with more knowledge and a greater appreciation for one of the most foundational document in the United States.

“He has visited all fifty states and several other countries in his position representing the American Legion,” Buford said. “And he is one of the best national commanders that the American Legion has ever had. But he will be coming early to meet legionaries and talk to them personally.”

Buford said they will also have the second place finalist from this year’s American Legion National Oratorical Contest deliver the his speech about the constitution. Buford said the event started last year as a way to promote and raise funds for their annual Boys State and Girls State programs.

“We’ve had this program at Tennessee Tech since 1960,” Buford said. “So it’s a part of our community. We’re putting on the dinner as a fundraising event to help support scholarships for young men and young girls.”

Buford said the dinner will also have educational videos and a local third and fourth-grade chorus performing the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

“It’s going to be a wonderful red, white, and blue event,” Buford said. “It’s going to be all about being a patriot for our country and honoring our constitution and how it affects our daily lives living in the United States.”

Buford said anyone interested in purchasing a ticket for $25 can contact him or anyone else with Post 46. The dinner takes place on Thursday at 6:00pm at Central City Church.