American Legion posts across the nation would consider themselves lucky if they had many loyal, dedicated people like Wayne Conley on their membership rosters.

Members of Post 787 in Mars feel fortunate to have Conley - an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict - in their ranks. They honored him at a banquet on March 6, during which he was presented a commemorative pin for 60 years of service.

Conley, 82, a founding member of the post, shares the honor of six decades of service with charter members Harold McCandless of Mars and Floyd Johnston of Butler.

Conley, who also is a charter member of the Mars Veterans of Foreign Wars post, has held nearly every office at the American Legion post, including 35 years of service as post adjutant. His American Legion service has extended beyond the post level; he served as county commander in 1963.

Currently, he is Post 787's historian - in charge of written records spanning more than five decades.

The pace of work responsibilities and modern lifestyles is keeping many younger veterans from participation in American Legion and VFW activities in the way Conley has been able to do over the years. That some older veterans like Conley still are willing to continue their loyal involvement speaks well not only of themselves, but the commitment to country that their military service instilled in them.