With so many American Legions across the nation struggling to find members and to stay afloat, it’s here in the North Country that you truly see the connection between military and community. The Lowville American Legion in Lewis County is teaming up with members of the 10th Mountain Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade to spruce up Main Street with some new American flags to fly high.

“Most of the men in my family served, some in WWII. Both my uncles served. My dad served. It was them and the guys like these, the veterans here that inspired me to actually join and this is a way that me and the other guys can give back to the guys who kind of paved the way for us,” SPC Stuart Mecham of the 10th Mountain Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade said.

Soldiers that weren’t hanging flags downtown visited the site of what will soon be the village’s new food pantry. In addition to building shelves, the soldiers spent several hours stocking them.

“It’s really nice for us to be out here. A couple of our soldiers live out here, as well as our 1st Sergeant. For us to be able to give back to the community is really awesome for us.” SPC Zachary Vision added.

The American Legion here in Lowville wanted to do the same. It hosted special lunch to say ‘thank you’ for all the soldiers did for the community on this day and for all they do to serve and protect us all every day.

“It gives them an opportunity to kind of get off the post. They get off the post and see what’s going on in the community to give them a feel of the various things they can do in the community to help out. They’ve been a tremendous asset to our American Legion,” Lowville American Legion Commander Lee Hinkleman said.

It’s a connection, a partnership and a community that’s been built to last for decades to come. If COVID-19 allows, the CAB soldiers plan to return to help with the village’s annual Cream Cheese Festival.