March 21, 2023—The Florence Copper Community Foundation (“Foundation”) recently awarded a grant of $2,500 to the McClellan-Parsons American Legion Post 9 (“American Legion”). The grant will fund needed repairs to the American Legion’s historic building, which was severely damaged during a storm in August 2021.

The American Legion Post 9 has served the Florence community over 100 years, residing in its current location since 1944. The organization’s building was constructed in 1874 and is a registered historical building. The building even served as the background to a scene in the 1985 movie Murphy’s Romance with Sally Field and James Garner.

Aside from its rich past, the American Legion building currently represents an important gathering place for the local community and in particular local veterans. It provides space for various community and philanthropic initiatives, including Memorial services with military honors to eligible deceased veterans, blood drives, and the providing of free meals to veterans and their dependents on special occasions.

“With the help of Florence Copper, we are achieving the goal of bringing this historic building back to a point of pride in the historic district of Florence,” said Mark Kille, current Post Commander for American Legion Post 9.

The Florence Copper Community Foundation is proud to give back to the American Legion and support local veterans through this grant.