150th Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion

American Legion Post 102 leads community celebration that began in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Volunteers stoke the fires beneath 50 kettles the morning of the bean feed.
Volunteers stoke the fires beneath 50 kettles the morning of the bean feed.
Jack McGowen monitors progress of the bean feed, which he has helped put on since 1966.
Jack McGowen monitors progress of the bean feed, which he has helped put on since 1966.
A 75-gallon kettle from one of the early bean feeds, donated by a local family, is displayed near the Veterans Memorial Wall on the courthouse. 
A 75-gallon kettle from one of the early bean feeds, donated by a local family, is displayed near the Veterans Memorial Wall on the courthouse. 
American Legion Department of Kansas Past Department Commanders Gaylord Sanneman, left, and Paul Sanford, right, have been coming to the bean feed for over a decade.
American Legion Department of Kansas Past Department Commanders Gaylord Sanneman, left, and Paul Sanford, right, have been coming to the bean feed for over a decade.
American Legion Department of Kansas Commander Randy Frank performs the ceremonial first dip with assistance from Post 102 Commander Dale Jeffrey.
American Legion Department of Kansas Commander Randy Frank performs the ceremonial first dip with assistance from Post 102 Commander Dale Jeffrey.
American Legion Family members from across Kansas gather in advance of the bean feed on July 14.
American Legion Family members from across Kansas gather in advance of the bean feed on July 14.
Members of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard appear at the reading of names at the Veterans Memorial Wall on July 15 in Erie, Kan.
Members of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard appear at the reading of names at the Veterans Memorial Wall on July 15 in Erie, Kan.
Saturday parade attendees are treated to a flyover under sunny skies in downtown Erie, Kan.
Saturday parade attendees are treated to a flyover under sunny skies in downtown Erie, Kan.
Legionnaires march in the Saturday morning parade as part of the Old Soldiers & Sailors Reunion in Erie, Kan.
Legionnaires march in the Saturday morning parade as part of the Old Soldiers & Sailors Reunion in Erie, Kan.