LEGION OF HONOR

The beginning of the "Legion of Honor" dates back to March of 1972 when twenty-six (26) Shriners and former war veterans met at Rose City Cafeteria on Lee Street in Charleston, WV The Legion of Honor was chartered on May 19,1972 when it became a unit of Beni Kedem Temple. National Officer Walter R. Weatherington from the Commonwealth of Virginia presented the Charter; by then the membership had risen to forty-two (42). The objectives of the Legion of Honor are to perpetuate the memory of those members who have made the Supreme Sacrifice in the Service of their Country. Noble C. Leon McIntosh, who also served as Potentate of Beni Kedem in 1972, was the first Commander of the Legion of Honor in 1972. Various national positions were held by members of the Legion of Honor at Beni Kedem: In 1979, Past Commander John Williamson became Commander of SASA Legions of Honor. Past Commander Robert S. Durbin was elected National Commander in 1982. Don K. Carte, Past Commander, was National Chief of Stafl in 1982; he also set up guidelines for all National Chiefs of Staff, which are still effective today. Past Commander John M. Payne was National Executive Cfficer; The Reverend John Torrence, National Chaplain; and John Hey was elected National Parliamentarian. Since its existence, the Legion of Honor has been awarded numerous trophies at the various SASA Conventions for their excellent marching and drill team performance. Currently there are 228 members and twenty-five (25) honorable members in the Legion of Honor at Beni Kedem. All Nobles who are Master Masons in good standing and who have served honorably in the armed forces of their Country are eligible to become members of the Legion of Honor.