American Legion - Post 108

10/11/2026

Nearly 500 American Flags Properly Retired by Manson American Legion

Under the direction of Manson American Legion Post 108 Commander Clyde McCullough, seven Legion members gathered on October 10, 2026, at the Chelan Fraternal Cemetery to conduct a dignified flag retirement ceremony, properly retiring nearly 500 worn and unserviceable United States flags.

The ceremony began at 2:00 p.m. and continued until 4:40 p.m., when the final flag was respectfully placed into the retirement fire. Traditionally, retired flags are ceremonially burned on Flag Day, June 14. However, due to summer wildfire conditions and local burn restrictions, this year's ceremony was postponed until the burn ban was lifted.

Participating in the ceremony were Commander Clyde McCullough, Brian Strausbaugh, Jim Taylor, Marie Cannon, Clyde McCullough Jr., Craig Pittson, and Norm Manly.

Assistant Chaplain Marie Cannon opened the ceremony with a prayer, setting a respectful tone for the solemn event honoring the nation's flag and the freedoms it represents.

The American Legion's flag retirement program provides community members with a proper way to dispose of worn, faded, or damaged American flags. Throughout the year, residents can deposit unserviceable flags in the flag retirement collection box maintained by Manson American Legion Post 108 and the Manson Chamber of Commerce. The collection box is mounted on an exterior wall and is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Post 108 members expressed their appreciation to community members who entrusted them with the respectful retirement of these flags. The ceremony served as a reminder of the enduring symbolism of the American flag and the importance of treating it with honor and respect, even at the end of its service.

By Norm Manly
Post Service Officer

09/28/2026

Just a week away from the Manson American Legion's monthly meeting, mark your calendars and share with veterans in your network.

Meeting is held in the Manson Parks building and begins at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 5.

You will be able to see our new display/storage unit in the building. We have a full agenda.

All veterans that received an Honorable Discharge for the service is eligible to join the Legion. Questions? Contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225.

09/28/2026

Join members of the Manson American Legion for their monthly meeting on October 7.

09/28/2026

Parks Building Display Completed
September 27, 2026

The Manson American Legion is proud to announce the completion of our new display and storage space in the Manson Parks building. After more than a year of planning and effort, we now have a dedicated place to showcase the history, mission, and activities of our Post while safely storing important materials.

A key part of this accomplishment was finding the perfect cabinet through Facebook Marketplace. The solid oak cabinet is in excellent condition and is believed by its previous owner to be nearly 100 years old. Its craftsmanship and character make it a fitting home for preserving and displaying our Legion memorabilia and community information.

Perhaps most impressive is that the entire project was completed for less than $100, demonstrating the resourcefulness and commitment of our Legion members. We are proud of what was accomplished and grateful for the support that helped make this project a reality.

By Norm Manly
Manson American Legion
Post Service Officer

09/20/2026

09/20/2026

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR FALL BBQ!

More than 40 veterans, family members, and friends joined the Manson American Legion, Post 108 for a wonderful afternoon of food, fellowship, and patriotic spirit.

Thank you for helping make this event a great success and for supporting our veterans and the American Legion.

Honoring Veterans
Celebrating Community
Building Friendships

Manson American Legion Post 108. Serving Veterans, Families, and Community. If you would like more information on becoming an American Legion member, contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225.

09/17/2026

John, the Chelan County Veteran Service Officer will be in the Chelan valley on Friday, September 18 to answer any questions you may have and help you apply for VA benefits.

John will be at Company Creek Pizza at 9:00 am to 10:20 am. He will then shift to Manson and the Manson Parks building from 11:00 to 12:30 pm.

Bring a copy of your DD-214 if you want to start a claim. Questions? Contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225.

09/08/2026

The Chelan County Veteran Service Officer will visit the Chelan valley on September 18 to assist veterans work though their VA benefits.

First stop, Company Creek Pizza at 9:00. They serve a great breakfast special. Next stop the Park and Recreation's building at 11:00.

Bring a copy of your DD-214 if you plan to apply for benefits. For more information contact Norm Manly 509-293-0225.

08/11/2026

Manson Hosts First Annual Purple Heart Day Celebration
Photos from Bill Jarr, son of award recipient Arthur Jarr

Manson’s inaugural Purple Heart Day celebration drew a crowd of 75 community members on a smoky August 7, filling the back yard of Tapped Out Sports Bar for an afternoon dedicated to honoring wounded and fallen service members.

The event began at noon with a stirring performance of America the Beautiful by the Lake Chelan Patriotic Singers under the direction of Steve Davis. Norm Manly, Post Service Officer for the Manson American Legion, welcomed attendees, provided programs and masks, and thanked Tapped Out Sports Bar owner Todd Link, a veteran himself, for hosting and supporting the ceremony.

Norm shared, “Here in Manson, we may be a small town, but our respect for these heroes is immense. Becoming a Purple Heart Community is our pledge to honor their courage publicly, proudly, and permanently. We recognize not only the veterans who bore the wounds of war, but also the families who carried those sacrifices, the parents, spouses, children, and loved ones whose lives were forever shaped by service.”

Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh directed the Color Guard to post the Colors, followed by an opening prayer from Legion Chaplain John Swenson. The Patriotic Singers continued with My Country ’Tis of Thee, adding to the ceremony’s patriotic atmosphere.

Robin Boch then read the official proclamation designating Manson as a Purple Heart Community, a status formally adopted by the Chelan County Commissioners on April 20, 2026. The announcement received strong appreciation from those in attendance.

Honoring Purple Heart Recipients. Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith, Marie Cannon, and Norm Manly recognized Manson’s Purple Heart recipients and their families. Their service and sacrifice were honored with deep respect.

• Arthur Jarr, WWII, accepting his son Bill Jarr.
• Nicholas Coleman, Iraq, accepting his parents, Mike and Phyllis Coleman.
• Patrick Beeman, WWI, accepting Kandy Jess-Conrad, her great uncle.

Recent Manson High School graduate Cooper Pinski offered reflections on the significance of the Purple Heart and the importance of remembering veterans’ contributions. Part of his speech hit home to many when he said, “When I was younger, I didn’t understand why certain sounds made veterans tense up, or why they stood a little straighter when the flag was raised, or why they always insisted on thanking other veterans first. As I got older, I realized those weren’t just habits. They were reminders, reminders of people they served with, moments they lived through, and sacrifices they carried home.”

The Patriotic Singers returned with God Bless America before three community leaders addressed the crowd:

• Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith
• Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh, Manson American Legion
• Dom Amor, Manson Community Council

Each speaker highlighted themes of service, sacrifice, and community unity.

Manly delivered closing remarks saying, “To our Purple Heart recipients, and to the families of those who were lost, we meant every word when we said, “This ceremony belongs to you.” Your resilience, your service, and your stories are the foundation of this community’s commitment to remembrance. Manson stands with you, today and always.”

Craig Pittson performing Taps, Chaplain Swenson offered the closing prayer, and Vice Commander Strausbaugh ordered the Colors retired, formally concluding the ceremony.

Many attendees remained afterward for lunch, conversation, and photos. Veterans and their families received a 30% discount courtesy of Tapped Out Sports Bar. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing pride in Manson’s Purple Heart Community designation and appreciation for the meaningful celebration.

Mike and Phyllis Coleman, parents of Marine veteran Nicholas Coleman, said the ceremony left a deep impression on their family. “We were deeply touched and honored that our son was recognized today by our local Purple Heart Community,” they shared. “Thank you for honoring his service and sacrifice, and for the care and respect you show to all who have served. Your kindness means the world to our family.”

Bill Jarr, speaking on behalf of his father, World War II veteran Arthur Jarr, said the ceremony reflected the best of Manson. “The Manson Purple Heart event not only honored the recipients, but the turnout and the heartfelt speeches were a real credit to our community.”

Kandy Jess‑Conrad shared, “Patrick Beeman was my great‑uncle, and standing in Manson to honor him during their very first Purple Heart Day meant more to me than I can express. Knowing that Manson is now part of the nationwide Purple Heart Trail made the day feel truly historic for this little town. The ceremony was heartfelt, beautifully organized, and deeply respectful. Watching our three Manson Veterans receive such dignified recognition was incredibly moving, each one held a special place of honor. I felt proud of Patrick, proud of our Veterans, and proud of what Manson accomplished in this first year. It’s a moment I will carry with me always.”

But the day was not over for Manson. Members of the Manson American Legion. Robin Bloch, Marie Cannon, and Norm Manly, traveled to Wenatchee to take part in the 2026 Community Purple Heart Ceremony at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The event began at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Tony Sandoval of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

American Legion Post 10 and VFW Post 3617 posted the colors, framed by an impressive backdrop that set the tone for the evening. Courtney Sackwar delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem, followed by Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier, who shared the history of the Purple Heart.

Manson Post 108 members were then invited to the stage, where Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay spoke about the remarkable speed with which Manson achieved Purple Heart Community status. He noted that the Manson American Legion launched the effort in March 2026, and by April 20 the Chelan County Commissioners had formally adopted the proclamation. Overbay also praised Manson for already installing Purple Heart signs, including one at Manson High School, and for holding its first Purple Heart Day celebration earlier that same afternoon.

Representing the community of Manson, Norm Manly shared heartfelt remarks: “In Manson, those heroes are part of our story. They built lives in our valley, raised families, worked in our orchards and businesses, and helped define the character of the place we call home. Becoming a Purple Heart Community is our promise that their service will never be forgotten.”

The evening concluded with the induction of the 2026 Hall of Honor recipients, eleven in all, including three from Manson. One by one, each honoree or their family members was invited to the stage. A large screen displayed their photo and story as it was read aloud, followed by the presentation of a commemorative coin and a copy of the Purple Heart County proclamation.

These were deeply emotional moments for many in attendance. It was a powerful and meaningful tribute to veterans, their families, and the community of Manson.

If you are a veteran, family member, or friend of someone who earned the Purple Heart and would like them recognized at our next Purple Heart Day celebration, please contact Norm Manly at 509‑293‑0225. And if you’re a veteran with an honorable discharge, consider joining the Manson American Legion. The Post meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Manson Parks building.

By Norm Manly
Manson American Legion
Post Service Officer

08/06/2026

Purple Heart Sign Dedicated at Manson High School

Manson, WA — August 6, 2026

At 1:00 this afternoon, members of the Manson American Legion gathered with Ian Crossland, Superintendent of Manson Schools, and Kamie Kronbauer, Principal of Manson High School, to dedicate a newly installed Purple Heart Community sign on the high school campus. The sign, now prominently displayed for students, staff, and visitors, marks another milestone in Manson’s growing commitment to honoring veterans and educating youth about their sacrifices.

The Purple Heart designation recognizes service members who were injured or killed in combat while defending our country. With the sign now in place, Legion members expressed their hope that students will see it daily and gain a deeper understanding of the courage, loss, and patriotism represented by the Purple Heart.

“This sign is more than a marker,” said Norm Manly, Manson American Legion’s, Post Service Officer. “It’s a reminder to every student who walks this campus that freedom has a cost, and that many brave men and women paid that price on our behalf.”

The dedication is part of an ongoing effort by the Manson American Legion to involve local youth in veteran‑related programs and events. Over the years, Legion members have worked closely with Manson Schools to expand student participation in Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and other community observances. Future plans include classroom presentations, student‑led projects, and opportunities for young people to learn directly from veterans.

Superintendent Crossland and Principal Kronbauer both expressed appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the educational value of connecting students with real stories of service and sacrifice.

With today’s installation, Manson High School becomes the latest location in the valley to display the Purple Heart emblem, continuing the community’s commitment to honoring veterans and ensuring future generations understand the meaning behind the medal.

Manly added, “Please join us tomorrow, August 7 at 12:00 at Tapped Out Sports Bar in Manson as we celebrate Purple Heart Day. Three veterans, one from WW1, another from WW2 and a third from the Iraq War. If you have questions, contact Norm Manly 509-293-0225.