An American Legion post opened in Thorsby this April and is accepting new members.

Thorsby Post 206 held its first meeting April 9 at the Thorsby Municipal Annex.

Mike Welborn, American Legion 23^rd District Vice Commander, is the commander of the new post.

“Technically, it’s a revitalization of a post,” Welborn said. “The post was around until the mid-‘90s, then it went defunct because of lack of membership. We picked it up and basically started again.”

Welborn said he is starting a color guard and eventually would like to add an honor guard for funerals and other memorial events.

Post 206 will participate in the Swedish Festival in October, Welborn said.

“We hope to have our color guard ready and hope to march in the parade for that,” he added.

Welborn mentioned plans of starting a baseball team for ages 19 and under next year, and he wants to start an American Legion Riders group in Chilton County for veterans and their families who enjoy riding motorcycles.

In addition, he said Post 206 will form a group called Sons of the American Legion for male descendants of veterans eligible to join the American Legion, and another group called American Legion Auxiliary for female descendants of eligible veterans.

Anyone who is currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably anywhere in the world or has served honorably during any of the following war eras is eligible for American Legion membership:

•April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I).

•Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II).

•June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War).

•Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War).

•Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada).

•Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama).

•Aug. 2, 1990 to today (Gulf War/War on Terrorism).

Post 206 meets at the Thorsby Municipal Annex on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, excluding holidays. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.