In 1935 John Peterson was the first person buried in Legion Circle No. 1 in Warsaw's Oakwood Cemetery. There were 100 burial plots for that first circle. In 1998 a second circle was complete and Mike Davidson was the first person buried there. In circle No. 2, just 16 plots remain.
Legion circle burial is available to any military veteran who requests and pays for a plot. The cost is $137. Costs for a plot outside the circle are $250 each for city residents and $350 each for non-Warsaw residents.American Legion Post No. 49 has started planning and designing Legion Circle No. 3, which will be near the entrance of the cemetery. Fill dirt is being donated and a drive to raise $10,500 is underway to complete the project.
"We are asking Legion members, veterans and the community to help by making donations," said Robert "Coach" Lichtenwalter. Donations are tax exempt.
Tom Kinch, a 36-year member of Post 49 will oversee the construction of Circle No. 3, which will have 76 lots.
The Legion's address is 301 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Post 49 encourages people who are eligible for Legion membership to join and get involved supporting Boys and Girls State, local scholarships, firearms safety, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, burial details, needy children, the members' kids' Christmas party, local parades and many organizations and individuals who have requests for financial support.
