Five members of the J.E. Manning American Legion Post were honored Feb. 15 upon their passing with an "everlasting ceremony for Legionnaires" at the Post 258 building in Atlanta.
"It is a sad evening for us,'" said post chaplain Mike Lee, "but the moment is sacred for us in memory of those who have now enrolled in the heavenly army."
The five members of the J.E. Maning Post 258 who died this year are Dean W. Hopper, Paul J. Howell, James R. Powell, J.D. Taylor and Sam C. Wadsworth Jr.
At the evening's program to receive commendations and a plaque for each of the men were Marcie Matlock for J.D. Taylor, Melba Hopper and Peggy Wadsworth for their husbands, and Jackie Cannon for her close friend James Powell.
Atlanta's American Legion Post No. 258 is named in honor of Joseph Estil Manning, supporter of the American Legion for 65 years.
Manning and the national American Legion were closely connected, for the legion was formed in March 1919 and Manning joined in October of that year.
When the Atlanta post went through hard times from 1935 to 1942, Manning was the one who kept it alive, post members said.
"He was quiet, always courteous, always dressed in a white shirt and never got upset," said Louise Steger. She worked with Manning when he was a cashier for First National Bank in Atlanta, where she was a teller from 1957 to 1961.
Manning had received his "notice of call and to appear for physical examination" Sept. 1, 1917. He had to present himself to the local board 10 days later, Sept. 11, at 8 a.m., and he did so. His group was the first large group of soldiers from Cass County called to be part of America's Expeditionary Force being sent to the World War.
He returned home to become a founding member of the American Legion post in Cass County when it was first formed in Linden in 1920.
In 1982, the Atlanta post decided to name itself after him and award Manning a lifetime membership. At the ceremony, Manning was described by a news reporter as having tears in his eyes and saying, "I am honored to support such an organization."
Manning died three years later on Christmas Day, 1985. That next month, when the community nominated outstanding citizens for the "Sparkler of the Year" award, Manning was included even though in his final year at age 91 he very likely had not been active.
Manning compiled a book that is in the Atlanta library titled, "The Men and Women in World War II Cass County." In it, he wrote a revealing introduction. It is a direct challenge to any generation.
Don't honor us. Be better because of us, Manning said in part.
"I realize none of you are seeking individual recognition; you have the satisfaction of knowing you did your part and did it well. Now you ask for no more than your place in the society to which you are returning we are proud of what you have done and stand ready to a man to do what we can for you."