In its stately granite design and material, an engraved bench can be found at the American Legion Post 104 in Appomattox. The bench was designed, installed and dedicated to the memory of Navy veteran Buck Owen whose presence is sorely missed by the members of American Legion Post 104.

The inscription reads:

In Memory of

Post 104 Commander

James “Buck” Owen

US Navy

Oct. 31, 1946 - Jan. 21, 2020

Dedicated by Post 104 Members Nov. 11, 2020

A little more than a year after Owen’s passing, his memory and work continue to impact the veterans and efforts of Post 104.

Bill Burke, a member of Post 104, former honor guard commander (among other hats he’s worn for the post) and longtime friend of Owen, believes there wouldn’t even be an American Legion post at this time in Appomattox had it not been for the dogged efforts of Owen.

“Membership was dwindling (back then), and he kept everything going,” said Burke.

Owen and Burke were instrumental in organizing the post’s honor guard complete with arms and uniforms. The honor guard oversees military honors at veteran funerals and is an all-volunteer effort.

That was about 15 years ago, Burke said.

“He stayed with that as long as he was able — until his health got so bad he wasn’t able to do it,” said Burke.

As far as he’s concerned, Burke believes Owen “is Mr. American Legion” — statewide and nationally.

“He lived it every day, every minute. He was a trooper. I can tell you that. Right to the last couple weeks before he passed,” said Burke.

Owen’s determination could be seen as he sold raffle tickets for fundraising, recruited new members and mentored future leaders for the American Legion — one such person under his wing was Ron Krauklis, who now serves as the Post 104 Commander.

“Buck took me under his wing to keep the post going,” said Krauklis.

When Owen passed, many of the post members wanted to brainstorm ideas to remember Owen for his legacy with the post.

That’s when the idea for the granite bench came up, explained Krauklis.

Placing it in front of the post along with the other memorials for former members seemed fitting.

The post worked with Owen’s daughter as part of the design process for the bench, which features an engraved picture of Owen and an engraved picture of the WWI canon.

The WWI canon now featured at Post 104’s Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services was a pet project of Owen — he found it falling apart and grown over with weeds.

Owen saw to it that it was restored, pouring countless hours and his own funds into its restoration.

Post 104 Public Relations Officer Howard Gregory said Owen’s efforts with the American Legion both locally, statewide and nationally should be remembered. Gregory described Owen as a strong leader and a hard worker.

“Buck came at a time when he was desperately needed,” Gregory continued. “His talents were desperately needed. He was an avid leader of the legion and supporter of our veterans.”

Buck was 100 percent present when it came to helping other veterans, Krauklis added.

As for the granite bench, Burke said it was the least they could do for Owen.

“We raised money in the community from legion members to make that happen,” said Burke. “It’s a perpetual honor for him — it’ll be there forever.”

The American Legion Post 104 is located at 765 Oakleigh Avenue in Appomattox. Krauklis said the post is always open to welcoming new members.

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