This week, Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission proclaimed the William Weech American Legion Post 168 as the newest recognized historical marker in the city.
The William Weech American Legion Post 168 was chartered in 1946 and has served veterans, active military residents, and visitors to Key West for more than 76 years. The Post broke ground for its home at 803 Emma Street in 1951, during the era of segregation, in partnership with the VFW Walter R. Mickens Post 6021.
Its members support a mission to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our community through devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Since its inception, Post 168 has served as host to more than ten thousand black military personnel deployed in the Florida Keys.
"Black service members hold an essential role in the success of the United State military," reads the proclamation, "shaping the successful outcome of individual missions and paving the way for progress towards achieving equality in the armed forces and American society."
A historical marker for the Post was unveiled in October of this year.
Post 168 Commander Valerie Littlefield and Glenn Hayes, Post 168 1st Vice Commander, accepted the proclamation.
"There are people that take the easy road and have a hard life," said Commander Littlefield, "and there are those who take the hard road for an easy life. Veterans are known for taking the hard road. Veterans are known for service. Veterans continue to serve, and we intend to continue to do that."