City Honors American Legion Post 17 on Arbor Day

The City of Camden honored the James Leroy Belk American Legion Post 17, celebrating its 100th Anniversary, during the annual Arbor Day celebration on November 1, 2019. Many post members, city council members, and citizens attended the ceremony.

A white oak tree was planted in honor of Post 17 in the south west quadrant of Monument Square Park, across Broad Street from the Camden Archives & Museum, at the corner of Broad and Laurens Streets. Known as a "heritage" tree, the white oak was chosen as a way of celebrating the post's anniversary. The location was chosen in part because of two Leaders Legacy benches already in place in the southwest quadrant of Monument Square Park, honoring Richard Lackey and Perry McCoy, who are both members of Post 17. 

The James Leroy Belk American Legion Post 17 has served as a community partner throughout its existence, most notably by supporting the students of Kershaw County. 

Post 17 was also responsible for Camden-Kershaw County's opportunity to host The Wall That Heals in May 2018, arranging for the traveling Vietnam memorial to be displayed on the grounds of Historic Camden for four days. More than 14,000 visitors were in attendance at the memorial during its brief stay.  

Camden is celebrating 32 years as a Tree City USA, an honor given to cities for their excellence in urban forestry management.