For 60 continuous years, Leonard L. Peevy of Brewton has been a faithful and dedicated member of American Legion Post No. 79.

On Monday, he – along with the county’s military population – was honored with at Brewton’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on the courthouse lawn.

Throughout three tours, which included stints in the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis, Peevy said he was drawn to the American Legion.

“It was 1953, and I was home on leave,” said the Alabama Army National Guard veteran. “I went by the legion as most veterans do. They asked me to join. It cost me $3. The rest is history.”

Peevy described himself as a “devout” Legion member.

“I believe in what it stands for,” he said of the organization committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

Throughout the years, Peevy took his service to the local, district and state level, having served as the state commander of the organization in 1993.

He said a strong family history of military service led his to his time in the National Guard.

“I enjoyed the military,” he said. “I had three brothers in World War II. Two more of us and myself in the Korean War. I wouldn’t say that I would recommend (being in the service) to everyone. Everybody is different. You have to make your own choice, but for me, it was a good decision.”

Peevy was also recognized for his service on the national level, having been awarded a certificate for dedicated service in his 60 years at the Legion.