Rockdale County proclaims Jan. 14 for American Legion national commander; local post to host visit

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation on Jan. 14, 2025, welcoming James Le Corsier Jr., national commander of the American Legion, and proclaimed the day in his honor as he prepares to visit the county this week.

The proclamation, read and affixed by Chair Janice Van Ness of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, described Le Corsier as an Air Force veteran elected national commander on Aug. 29, 2024, and noted his leadership role with an organization representing more than 1,600,000 members. The board’s document cited the American Legion’s service to veterans, its youth programs and Le Corsier’s emphasis on preventing veteran suicide.

Art, a representative of the local American Legion post in Rockdale County, told the board the post maintains about 507 paid members in the county and provides services that include volunteer assistance with veteran claims, community breakfasts and seasonal donations to local charities. “We do a lot of things within the county and it’s a volunteer organization,” Art said, inviting veterans and residents to upcoming events. He gave details of activities for Friday’s visit by the national commander, including stops in Monroe and Loganville and a recognition event at the Conyers post.

The proclamation welcomed Le Corsier’s visit and expressed gratitude for the American Legion’s service. Chair Janice Van Ness, Commissioner Tawania Smith and Commissioner Dorian Williams signed the proclamation, which the board read into the record at the meeting.

The county’s reading of the proclamation was ceremonial; no separate vote on the text was recorded beyond its presentation and signature by the commissioners.

Looking ahead, the American Legion representative said the local post holds regular events—Art noted bingo on Wednesdays and Saturdays with cash prizes—and encouraged veterans and community members to attend and use post services.