By Nicole H. Holland

Aiken, SC - On October 4th American Legion Department Commander James Holland completed his "Walk for Veterans". Holland began the walk on September 11th and walked across the state, beginning on US Highway 178 at the North Carolina-South Carolina state line north of Pickens. Walking a total of 332 miles and averaging about 18 miles per day, Holland and various Legionnaires successfully ended their journey at Battery Park in Charleston, South Carolina on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Commander Holland's purpose for the walk was to raise awareness of veterans in their communities, state and nation; to tell The American Legion story; and to raise funds for The American Legacy Scholarship Fund that benefits children of Active Duty Men and Women killed in Iraq and during the War on Terrorism. "I was amazed at the amount of good will shown toward me as I walked across the state! People were always waving, honking their horns, giving me a thumbs-up, saluting and taking pride in the flag. Then too, there were those who offered me water, food, and walked with me for whatever distance they could. It was a very humbling experience," said Holland.

Taking him from the mountainous area of our state in Pickens County, and through more than 25 towns and cities as he moved through the Midlands on to the Low Country and finally to the coast, Commander Holland's journey was a rewarding one. Along the way, American Legion Posts provided assistance, coordinated rallies and kept the momentum going. These efforts helped raise over $8,000 dollars for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund thus far. "I was touched by people who would just walk up and hand me checks or cash. There are still a lot of patriotic people, people who care and who want to help veterans and their families," adds Holland.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Checks to fulfill pledges and other donations continue to be received through the South Carolina Department of the Legion. Commander Holland and the Department will release a cumulative total of scholarship money raised through this effort at the end of the year. For more information on The American Legion or The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund please visit www.legion.org or call 803.612.1171.