On a recent cool, gray Saturday morning, a small dedicated group of men and women gathered at Doylestown Cemetery to honor a courageous veteran who died serving his country 101 years ago.
The somber yet uplifting ceremony commemorated Albert R. Atkinson Jr., the man for whom Doylestown’s Albert R. Atkinson Jr. Post 210 American Legion is named.
Jim McComb, commander of Post 210, welcomed the group, which gathered in front of the American Legion section of the historic cemetery. The Washington Crossing Honor Guard, bugler Vernon Dykes and the Cairngorm Pipes and Drum Corps also joined the special ceremony. Jan Suessenguth sang the National Anthem.
“Our presence here today is an expression of our tribute to his devotion to duty, to his courage and patriotism. Like Albert, those who enter the military services in loyalty to their country are the custodians of the security and freedom of their fellow countrymen,” said McComb.
Chris Suessenguth, the incoming commander of Post 210, noted that this year is also the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the American Legion. He said the legion’s mission is “to support veterans, the country, community, God and youth.”
