White Shield Unit 253
White Shield Welcomes Historic Convoy
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA-HA) 2026 Lewis & Clark westward convoy made a memorable stop at the Arikara Old Scouts Memorial Veterans Center in White Shield on July 27, 2026. The convoy journeyed from Fort Mandan, North Dakota, to Fort Clatsop, Oregon.
The convoy, traveling through White Shield as part of its westward route, was welcomed by Post and Auxiliary members and the community with cheers, food, water, snacks for the road, gifts, and a brief sharing of Sahnish history. Leaders of the convoy were presented with historic Pendleton blankets, while others received traditional dried corn and bundles of sage.
The visit concluded with the convoy receiving an emergency services escort through the Fort Berthold Reservation, passing the Old Scouts Cemetery as participants offered veteran salutes in return. In appreciation of the hospitality, the convoy made a monetary donation to the Auxiliary Unit. Organizers described the day as a meaningful and beautiful occasion honoring veterans, history, and community fellowship.
September 2026 Message Article
White Shield American Legion Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 and Auxiliary Unit 253 ‘Meet and Greet’: Pictured (l-r): Chloe Weyrauch, Sandy Smith, Department President; Candace Berg, Past Department President 2025-26; Andrea Neshem, District 3 President; Alicia Randall, Department Vice President; Dan Wiley, Legion National Commander; Sonya Wiley, Devin Anderson, Shelley Schuster, Department President-Elect; and Susan Degner, Department Treasurer.
White Shield American Legion Members Travel to Normandy for 82nd D-Day Anniversary
Members of the American Legion Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 and Auxiliary Unit 253 of White Shield traveled overseas this summer to take part in commemorations marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.
The group arrived in Normandy for a series of major remembrance events held around June 6, 2026, honoring the Allied invasion that helped turn the tide of World War II. Ceremonies across the region paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy on D-Day, including about 73,000 Americans. The invasion, known as Operation Overlord, involved troops from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and other Allied nations and opened the way for the liberation of Western Europe.
For members of Post 253 and Unit 253, the trip carried special meaning. As representatives of White Shield and the American Legion family, they joined visitors, military officials, veterans’ organizations and families from around the world in honoring those who served and those who never returned home.
The 82nd anniversary was especially poignant because it is expected to be among the last major D-Day commemorations attended by living World War II veterans. With the youngest surviving veterans now in their late 90s or older, each anniversary has become an increasingly rare opportunity to hear their stories firsthand and to thank them in person.
For the White Shield delegation, the journey was both a tribute and a commitment to remembrance. By traveling to Normandy, members of the Young Hawk/Bear Post 253 and Auxiliary Unit 253 helped ensure that the legacy of D-Day, the service of World War II veterans and the sacrifices made for freedom continue to be remembered by future generations.
(White Shield News Article)
