The American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 will celebrate its 60th anniversary at 4 p.m. Sunday.

If you go

The American Legion Post 213’s 60th anniversary program will be at 4 p.m. Sunday. The post is located at 1618 Main St. Admission is free.

“I’m looking forward to having a good time and a good crowd,” said Charles Scott, 6th District commander.

The Post 213 was formed in 1949 by a group of black war veterans. The chapter is named after two killed in action, Jeff Tyner, who served in World War I, and George Ford, who served in World War II.

Sunday’s program will include entertainment by local artists and an awards ceremony. The guest speaker will be former Vicksburg Mayor Robert M. Walker.

Walker is a 1962 graduate of Rose A. Temple High School. He attended Jackson State University and the University of Mississippi. He is the chief administrative officer for the city of Jackson. He and his wife, Sylvia, have three daughters.

Also during the program, the four living founding members of Post 213 will be honored, as will 18 veterans who served in World War II. Local Junior ROTC members will be recognized, and the winner of Post 213’s oratorical contest, Elyne Robinson, a junior at Warren Central High School and the daughter of Claudette Jordan, will receive a certificate.

Elyne placed second in the 6th District contest and third in the area contest.

Post 213 began with 75 members and, today, has 205.

“We would like for younger people to join because the Legion does a lot of work for the community,” said Scott.

The national American Legion was founded after the end of World War I. This year marks its 90th anniversary.

*

Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchanprasith@vicksburgpost.com.