Events & Programs

The Post has found it useful to group our activities into events and programs. Somewhat arbitrary, events are single occurrences in which the Post participates but may or may not sponsor while programs are ongoing endeavors which the Post does control. Taken together they are a good reflection of what we actually do and are described below for your information.

Events

Legion Birthday - The American Legion Birthday is observed annually in March by Custer Post #46. Always well received, the event is an open meeting consisting of supper followed by a Public Safety/Service awards and membership awards presentations program.

Memorial Day - Custer Post #46 works closely with the Custer City Cemetery Sexton to maintain a veterans’ graves registry. Prior to Memorial Day, the Post decorates approximately 500 Custer veterans’ graves with bronze flag holders and American flags which it purchases. On Memorial Day the Post participates in ceremonies at Cold Springs Pioneer Cemetery, Pringle Cemetery, and Custer City Cemetery. Following Memorial Day, the Post removes the flags previously placed. Normally assisting with graves decoration are Custer Boy Scout Troop 25, Custer Cub Scout Pack 25, and local volunteers.

Independence Day - Post activities for this unique American celebration have grown dramatically. The Post participates in Custer flag retirement and raising ceremonies, its Patriots Parade, and is a sponsor of the Patriots Picnic introduced in 2014. The Post also conducts its only fundraiser on this day receiving donations for American flags.

Veterans Day - This Post #46 sponsored event is conducted by the Custer School District. Planned by the Custer High School senior class with guidance from Post #46, a 1-hour program honoring veterans is conducted in the old Custer Armory. All classes participate with each veteran individually recognized and presented a rose and thank you note for his service.

Wreaths Across America - A program of Civil Air Patrol's Crazy Horse Squadron, Custer Post #46 participates in this annual wreath laying event at both the Hot Springs National Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD and the Cold Springs Pioneer Cemetery by Pringle, SD.

Christmas - This Custer Senior Center event is without charge for all who would like to have but would otherwise miss out on having a home-style country Christmas dinner. Starting in 2013 Post #46 coordinated Custer’s veterans organizations; American Legion, VFW, and Veterans Memorial Association, support of this dinner with donations of turkeys, canned cranberries, and potatoes.

Programs

Flag - A growing program, the Post participates in Custer City's annual Flag Retirement and Flag Raising ceremonies, conducts flag education classes in Custer Junior High School, maintains its Veterans Memorial Flagpole in Way Park, donates flags to the Elk Mountain School, makes flags available on Independence Day for donations, and is exploring creation of a Flag Day event.

Legislative - A program in its infancy, the Post is beginning to take advantage of web-based information and e-mail communications to alert its members of veterans-interest legislation.

Taps - The Post is dedicated to honoring the memory of all area departed veterans. This is accomplished through several interlocking Post programs and participation in related separate projects. These include "Veterans Graves Registration" for Custer City, Cold Springs Pioneer, and Pringle Cemeteries, "Last Salute" honors to recently departed area veterans, and "Final Roll Call" honors and ceremonies to departed Post #46 Legionnaires. Also supported is the separate "Missing In America" Project.

Youth - Conducting a strong Boys State program, supporting a strong Girls State program, working hard with the recently created Youth Trooper Academy, and supporting Custer Scouting; the Post is committed to developing Custer's youth into tomorrow's citizen leaders.

The above describe the scope of our Post activities but barely scratch their depth. Plus we are always exploring adding new activities effectively. The opportunities exist. Our Legionnaires make them reality!