By Debbie Dennie, Editor

A large crowd of family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered at the American Legion Hardin-Browning Post 109 Hall on Sunday, October 28 to dedicate a bench in honor of former commander Claude Ray Hammond.

Hammond was the Commander of the Post from 1998-2011.

Commander Bruce Westbrook resided over the dedication service. The Pendleton County ROTC Color Guard presented the flags.

"We are here today to honor and dedicate this bench to the best friend I ever had," Westbrook said. “He was the meanest and sneakiest character I ever knew. He served his country, his American Legion Post and his church. We all have a lot of memories to keep in our hearts."