Honoring Community Traditions, Building a Better Tomorrow
As Bagley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16 approaches its 100th anniversary, Immediate Past President Cheryl Grover reflects on her family’s multigenerational commitment to honoring veterans and the importance of carrying that tradition of service forward.
For three generations, one Bagley family has carried forward a tradition of honoring veterans through American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16.
Lifelong resident Cheryl Grover has been a member of Unit 16 for 45 years. Her daughter, Trisha, has belonged for 42 years, having joined when she was 8 years old. Her granddaughter, Kennedy Jo, has been a member throughout her entire life.
Their combined years of membership represent far more than longevity within the Auxiliary. They reflect a family’s lasting commitment to honoring and remembering the men and women who served the nation and protected the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
Cheryl joined the Auxiliary through the eligibility of her father, a World War II veteran. Trisha also joined through her grandfather’s military service, while Kennedy was eligible through the service of her grandfather, Steve Olson, a Vietnam veteran. The service of these two veterans created a legacy their family has been honored to continue.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16 was chartered Jan. 26, 1927, and will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. Reaching that milestone is an accomplishment worthy of celebration, but preserving the organization for future generations will depend upon continued membership and community involvement.
When World War II veterans returned home, the pride they felt in their service helped build and strengthen veterans organizations throughout the country. As the years pass, maintaining that same sense of connection has become more challenging.
The community can help carry that tradition forward by welcoming and encouraging returning service members and their families to become involved in the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion.
The Bagley American Legion is more than a veterans organization or a building. It is a gathering place that continues to serve the entire community. Its doors have opened for Friday night meals, weddings, funerals, craft shows, rummage sales, Toys for Tots distributions, the local food shelf, Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning programs and the annual Ride for the Stones over Labor Day weekend—just to name a few.
Across Minnesota, many American Legion posts have been forced to close their buildings because of financial challenges. Bagley can be proud that its American Legion remains open, active and deeply involved in the life of the community.
As Unit 16 approaches its centennial, the community has an opportunity to honor the dedication of those who built the organization by strengthening it today. With renewed membership, community support and the involvement of younger generations, this proud tradition of service can continue well into its next 100 years.
Cheryl Grover, Unit 16’s immediate past president for 2025–2026, has served multiple terms as unit president. Her dedication to veterans has also led her to serve as president of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Ninth District and to participate at Department. Grover’s years of leadership reflect a commitment to veterans, their families and the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary that extends far beyond her local unit.