OXFORD — The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 112 Oxford had a surprise birthday party during a recent post meeting.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” said Post Commander Ed Lyons, “and greatly appreciated.

The American Legion grew from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I when LTC Theodore Roosevelt Jr. suggested the establishment of a new servicemen’s organization, which included all members of the American Expeditionary Forces, as well as those soldiers who remained stateside as members of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during the war without having been shipped abroad, and on March 15, 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened in Paris, France, for the first American Legion caucus.

Today the American Legion is the largest veterans advocate group for America’s veterans. With its membership at more than 2.4 million, the Legion are sponsors of community programs for young people and a spokesperson for patriotic values, but most important of all, its service.

“We exist to help each and every veteran, their families and our community,” said Lyons. “We are veterans helping veterans.”

Men and women who have served in federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces during certain war eras and have been honorably discharged or are still serving, are eligible for membership in the American Legion. The eras include,

• World War I – April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918

• World War II – December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946

• Merchant Marines – December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946 (only eligibility)

• Korea – June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955

• Vietnam – February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975

• Lebanon/Gremada – August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984

• Panama – December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990

• Desert Storm – August 2, 1990 to OPEN

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 13, at 169 King St., Oxford. Additional information is available by calling 207-539-2649 or emailing oxfordpost112@aol.com.