Post Messenger Recorder -

Dear Editor,

As a member of the American Legion Duppler-Smith post in Belleville, I am both frustrated and disappointed with the recent interactions between the post and the Village of Belleville to entertain a reasonable offer by the post to purchase the library building is most disappointing. The process and the outcome show a lack of respect for the work that the post does in the community and the military veterans who are part of the organization.

The legion brings the community together for many functions, including the beautiful memorial to our veterans at the entrance to Belleville, many Bingo events and the Thanksgiving Feather party. They provide color guard for community events and sponsor the American Legion baseball team. The group also supports the veteran’s breakfast and Quilt of Honor program, Boys and Girls State program, and provides scholarships to deserving high school graduates. We are an active group who finds many ways to give back both financially and through volunteer work.

The current legion hall has seen better days, and does not provide the access and amenities that would enhance to hosted events that the legion provides to the community. While the post has done an admirable job of maintaining the building, it does not have the space and access that the library building would provide. The library building would better allow the legion to continue their community work with a gathering space that would benefit the public and the membership. Failure to acknowledge the legion’s original offer, selling the building below market value to a commercial buyer and the refusal to entertain input from concerned community members at recent meetings all demonstrate a lack of regard for the organization and its members.

Pete Rupp,

Belleville

64-year legion member, Past Commander, Former Belleville Village Board Member