The Rueben J. Smith American Legion Post 297 in Payne celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 2, 2020. The Legion had to cancel their centennial celebration that was originally planned for September 12th, but is now postponed until 2021 due to COVID restrictions.
The Legion members met in regular session on Tuesday September 1st and they were surprised with a special tribute flag. The Payne Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Payne split the cost of a custom made flag made from recycled bourbon barrels. The company that fabricated the flag was Cruise Custom Flags in Louisville Kentucky and is veteran owned and operated. The flag that was purchased is called “THE OATH”, which has the oath that all members of the military take when they enter the military. There is also a commemorative plaque that recognizes Rueben J. Smith American Legion, September 2 1920 – 2020, Payne Ohio.
