PRESCOTT – The Prescott American Legion Post 61 continues to improve its facilities to better serve its members and the Prescott community. Following the recent completion of a beautiful flag memorial, the Post has added another attraction: a new 30-by-40-foot pavilion designed to accommodate community gatherings, picnics, sporting events, children’s movies, and other activities.

The pavilion features outdoor fans, recessed lighting, speakers, and a large television, making it a versatile space for events and gatherings throughout the year.

The pavilion, named the Post 61 Pavilion, is dedicated in honor of Jerry Klasen in recognition of his leadership, generosity, and commitment to the Legion and the Prescott community.

Klasen served three years as Post commander during a challenging period when the Legion faced the threat of closing because of financial difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, he helped lead a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $30,000 to fund essential repairs to the Post’s neglected building and grounds. Approximately 80% of the funds came from individual donors.

Klasen said it was a great honor to have the pavilion dedicated to his name.

“None of the improvements we’ve accomplished over the past six years could have happened without the outstanding leadership of our Legion officers, the involvement of our members, and the support of the community,” Klasen said.

He noted that community volunteers are frequent volunteers at events, a testament to the unique partnership between the Post and the people of Prescott. The Legion’s canteen, known as Simply Local, reflects that strong connection to the community.

Post 61 has more than doubled its membership in recent years. Although it is one of Wisconsin’s oldest American Legion posts, it also boasts one of the youngest memberships by average age.

For Klasen, who was new to the area when he became involved with the Legion, the organization provided a valuable opportunity to meet residents and learn about Prescott’s history. He said others who have moved to the area and joined the Legion have found the same benefits: immediate friendships, camaraderie, and a stronger connection to the community.

Beyond serving veterans, the Legion supports numerous local organizations and youth activities, including Legion Baseball, women’s softball, the wrestling club, and the trapshooting club to name a few.

Popular community events hosted or supported by the Legion include its annual Easter egg hunt, children’s Christmas party, Prescott Daze activities, and Oktoberfest, among many others.

The new pavilion represents another step in the Legion’s ongoing commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the greater Prescott community. It provides another gathering place where veterans, families, friends, and neighbors can come together to celebrate, remember, and build lasting connections.

The dedication plaque reads:

“Post 61 Pavilion, dedicated in honor of Jerry Klasen, in grateful recognition of Jerry Klasen’s vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Prescott American Legion Post 61, its veterans, and the community it serves.

May this pavilion stand as a place where veterans, families, friends, and members of the community can gather, celebrate, remember, and continue the tradition of service and fellowship that defines the American Legion Post.”

Submitted by Dave Thomas, Post Commander, Prescott American Legion Post 61