NATCHEZ — For the third year in a row, Natchez hosted the Mississippi American Legion’s annual convention.

Approximately 300 delegates from Mississippi’s American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary met in the Natchez Grand Hotel from July 10-12.

The purpose of the convention was to discuss the coming year, host elections and give out awards.

“The American Legion started in support of veterans,” Steve Guyton, public relations chairman for the American Legion’s Department of Mississippi, said.

But the Legion, and the Auxiliary Legion, are involved in more than just veterans’ affairs. The Legions’ interest in community service has its foundation in the many ways veterans became involved in their communities when they returned from service.

“They came home and got involved in the community, giving back,” Guyton said.

Now, the Legion encourages others to follow the veterans’ example. Programs like Boys and Girls State, leadership programs for young adults, were some of the big topics at the convention.

Boys State Governor Robert Grady Pickering, 17, of Laurel was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for his participation in the program.

It’s one of many the Legion offers.

“They (the Legion) give out scholarships for all kinds of reasons,” Guyton said.

Sidney Carol Murphy was honored as Teacher of the Year. Murphy is an English teacher from Gautier High School of Gautier and a former Girls State member.

Murphy created the annual veterans’ breakfast at Gautier High. The event boasts approximately 900 students who host and entertain around 300 veterans and guests. Murphy said it gave her students the chance to learn history from people who were there, not just from books.

“No doubt our youth benefit from the annual veterans’ breakfast,” Murphy said.

But for others, the convention is also a social gathering. John Curran is an Air Force veteran and member of Post 4 in Natchez, as is his wife, Judith Curran.

“It’s a chance to meet people from other parts of the state that I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Curran said.

Stewart Foster Jr., also from Natchez, agrees. Unlike Curran he’s from Natchez’s other post, Post 228, and is an Army veteran. His wife, Frances Foster, is part of the Auxiliary.

“It’s good to see veterans from all other parts,” Foster said.

The American Legion will return in Jan. 29-31 for its midwinter conference.