FRANKLIN—Dan Dellinger, national commander of the American Legion, met with members of American Legion Post 73 in Franklin on Thursday morning. They and their guests also welcomed him and other national officers as the commander makes his state-wide tour this month.

During the informal reception, Dellinger took a few minutes to address the audience. He was pleased to see so many veterans, and especially city officials. Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn and City Manager Randy Martin attended along with the Melissa Rose, representing the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce.

“That tells me you’ve been an integral part of the community since 1919. As a former mayor and town councilman, I know what Franklin means to this community,” said Dellinger, who has belonged to Post 180 in Vienna since 1982.

Elected as commander last August, he said he’s already been seven times in Washington, D.C., and twice before Congress.

“Politics is replacing patriotism, and it’s up to us to be the fabric of the country,” said Dellinger. He added that he wants to promote patriotism as well as help veterans and their families.

Referencing the shooting at Fort Hood in Texas, Dellinger said, “We have to pray for and work hard to help the men and women who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.”

The commander said he will devote every means possible to help veterans. Already a permanent committee has been established for that purpose, added Dellinger.