Hall named in veteran’s honor

The privilege of honoring the late Richard A. “Dick” Leyendecker, a World War II veteran, was evident during a recent ceremony at the American Legion Post 59.

The American Legion Post 59 Commander’s Hall name was changed to the Richard A. "Dick" Leyendecker Hall in honor of Leyendecker. The ceremony and special recognition was held to show appreciation for Leyendecker’s service to the United States of America and to extend gratitude to his family for their continued commitment and support.

“The Leyendecker family has been very supportive of all U.S. veterans and was extremely instrumental in realizing the restoration efforts of the American Legion Post 59,” a news release states. “Through their efforts, the facility now resembles pride and with a precise restoration of the rich history that now embodies the walls of the facility where events and projects will be held in support of the veterans and their families.”

The event’s program included Cesar Montemayor, American Legion commander, and Abraham Rodriguez, American Legion project coordinator, who welcomed members of the Leyendecker family, including Gary and Mary Lamar Leyendecker. World War II veterans Salomon Abrego, Jose Laurel, Hilario Cavazos, Arturo Villarreal, John Valls and Henry Boubel also attended the event.

The program followed with a reading of the biography researched by Doug Alford, American Legion Post 59 historian, regarding the service and sacrifices endured by Leyendecker from 1943 to 1945. The biography depicted his training, service, captivity and time as a prisoner of war ending with his safe return to his hometown of Laredo, where he continued with his education and obtained a civil engineering degree.

Alec Martinez, representative of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office, also presented a resolution approved by the U.S. Congress. The solution will be placed in the congressional record to highlight Leyendecker’s accomplishments and the honor bestowed upon him by American Legion Post 59. The program concluded with the unveiling of a plaque situated at the entrance of the Richard A. Dick Leyendecker Hall and a presentation of a portrait of Leyendecker depicting his various military experiences to the family.