2007 Grand Canyon History Symposium Al Richmond Al Richmond is a historian and author with emphasis on railroads and the Colorado Plateau. He retired as an Air Force Chief Master Sergeant after a twenty-seven year career in Pararescue. Al then served as Colorado Plateau Projects Liaison to the national parks and monuments in his twenty-year second career with Northern Arizona University. He also serves as the Grand Canyon Railway historian and museum director and has done so since its rebirth. Currently Al is chairman & CEO of the Arizona State Railroad Museum Foundation and spearheads the drive for the Museum’s establishment in Williams, Arizona. Presentation Abstract... American Legion John Ivens Post No. 42 -- Eighty-Four Years of Service to Community:   John Ivens, a resident of Grand Canyon, enlisted for service in World War I. Gassed in the Argonne Offensive in 1918, he died and was buried in France, later to be reburied in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. Not forgotten, Private Ivens lives on in the community spirit of the American Legion Post named in his honor. Founded in 1923 by illustrious Grand Canyon Village denizens such a Emery Kolb and Art Metzger, Post 42 has endured and created an enviable legacy of community service thanks to a membership of veterans that has included citizens from all walks of life. During their time in service, these veterans learned to organize and work together for a common goal. When they returned to the Canyon, they put these skills to work building community facilities usually with funds from their own pockets. Such buildings as the Community Building, Grand Canyon School, Shrine of the ages, and the sports fields all bear the stamp of their industry, drive and love of community. They have worked together with the CCC "boys" and the Park Service to improve this great national park. Through wise investments, Post 42 is able to fund and promote scholarship, pride of country, patriotism, and community improvement. Their work continues to this day in many forms such as scholarships for Grand Canyon school children, and working with the Park Service to renovate the Pioneer Cemetery gate originally built by Legionnaires in 1928. Seldom do we think of the people who formed this community many years before it was a national park and those who continue to live, work, and raise families here. Even less frequently do we think of the veterans who have helped to make this community a home through service to their fellow residents. And as long as there are veterans who come from or to Grand Canyon Village and become a part of John Ivens Post 42 after serving their country, there will be a continuing tradition of unparalleled community service.