EVANS CITY- When the borough's American Legion turned 86 years old last Tuesday, its members celebrated with a fish-and-oysters dinner like every other year.

But the Legionnaires had another reason to commemorate. Five members - Sylvester Rape, Charles Downing, Paul Wahl, and brothers Laverle Westerman and Loyal Westerman - were honored at a dinner last Wednesday for serving 60 years with the American Legion.

Evans City American Legion Commander Dean McMillen said it wasn't until he received notice in the mail that he realized the men, most of whom have lived in Evans City for much of their lives, had served so long.

The legion's 92 members are loyal, McMillen said, as many of them serve their entire lives.

"We're fortunate with our legion that the only way they're not members is when they're deceased," he said.

The legion also honored two current soldiers - Ron Marburger and Mike Schoeffel - who have both served in Iraq.

With about 65 people at the dinner, McMillen said he called the Westerman brothers to the front of the hall and presented them with their certificates from the Legion's headquarters. The other three 60-year members were not in attendance.

For a Legionnaire to reach such a mark is extraordinary, McMillen said.

"I'm pleased every time we get a 50-year man," he said.