Dear Editor,

It was with great sadness that I heard about the fire destroying the American Legion in Glencoe.

I was born and raised there and have been following with interest the recent developments.

On behalf of the Kaplet family of Glencoe, I would like to state publicly how heartening it has been to see the outpouring of support for the people of this community. I am told there are fund-raising efforts being held in other communities to help in the cleanup and rebuilding.

The Legion Hall was the heart of the community when I lived there. And it was for many years thereafter. There were the Friday night dances, the cakewalks, the barbeques. There also were wedding receptions and my own father’s funeral reception was held there.

Both of my brothers played on the baseball teams sponsored by the Legion. And my sister reminded me that the Legion members helped purchase choir robes for the local church.

One of my most endearing memories revolved around Memorial Day when the Legionnaires marched in formation up to the Glencoe Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers. We all stood along the road watching them. I remember it all as if it were yesterday.

Out of every tragedy comes the resilience of the human spirit which the people of Glencoe and Belmont County are now putting on full display.

Joann “Peppy” Kaplet Duff

Lancaster, Ohio