Rod Martens gazed at the string of cars in the parking lot and adjacent streets surrounding Piedmont Valley American Legion Post 311 Saturday morning and couldn't believe it.
"We never expected near this many people," he admitted
But, it was a nice surprise for the new commander of the South Dakota American Legion. Martens was elected to the post during the closing of the 91st Annual Department Convention in Huron on Sunday, June 28.
Festivities Saturday at Piedmont included a breakfast, a parade, a program, a late afternoon roast pork and corn-on-the-cob feed and an evening social. It was all part of the traditional American Legion salute for a new state commander.
"We've already sent people out for more supplies," Martens, a 38-year member of the Legion, said following the noon parade.
Martens likened the gathering to a family reunion of sorts.
"It's a bonding experience," he said as he went from table to table greeting people.
American Legion members from across the state came to the tiny hamlet of Piedmont to fete their new commander. Among communities visibly represented in the parade were Watertown, Sioux Falls, Hartford, Wessington Springs and Pierre.
Longtime Piedmont Valley American Legion member Sony Hemsher said having Martens serve as the state commander is quite an honor.
"He's a hard worker. He will do a great job. He's willing to work for the whole organization," Hemsher said. "His slogan really hit home with people."
Martens' election platform was "All Four One" - which reflects his emphasis for American Legion members to work together with the Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Legion Riders (a motorcycle contingent) to ensure the growth and success for the organization as a whole. He also hopes to expand on programs, such as Internet social networking sites, to reach active-duty military
"Teamwork, high visibility and working together will be the key to our success," he said. "We have to remember that we are a volunteer organization and we are only as good as our volunteers."
