Former American Legion National Commander Attends Local Fundraiser

Cookeville American Legion held a dinner Thursday evening in honor of Consitution Day, which celebrates the adoption of the United States Constitution.

The event also served as a fundraiser to help send Upper Cumberland young men to the annual Boys’ State Convention. Former American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett said he was invited by the local legion to speak on the importance of both the Constitution and Boys’ State.

“Learning about the constitution, learning about how government works, are all vital programs that are not always taught in the school system to the level that I would like,” Barnett said. “But Boys’ State is a hands-on program.”

Barnett said with Tennessee Tech typically helping to send more than 400 people to Boys’ State each year, it’s important to help support their efforts.

Event attendees heard from local American Legion members, Constitutional Oratorical Contest students, and Barnett. Barnett was joined by the State Commander, the National Executive Committeemen, and others.

“This is a big deal,” Barnett said. “This is a big deal for the American Legion, this is a big deal for the American Legion here in Cookeville. And judging by the ticket sales, this is a big deal to the community too.”