WHEELING — The national commander of the American Legion is coming to Wheeling this month to help honor the 106th birthday of the Legion and Post 1 in Wheeling, and there will be both a walk and a dinner to celebrate.

James A. LaCoursiere Jr. is set to arrive in the Northern Panhandle the morning of Thursday, March 20, said Post 1 Commander John Powell. After he and others pick up LaCoursiere in Pittsburgh, they will visit American Legion posts from Chester to Moundsville.

“We will also pay a courtesy call to the veterans center in Bethlehem,” Powell added.

The American Legion was founded on March 15, 1919.

He said one request by LaCoursiere is that he be able to participate in a “Be The One” event at Post 1.

A “Be The One” Walk has been set for 9 a.m. Friday, March 21 at Wheeling Park. The goal of the walk is to raise awareness about the high number of veteran suicides occuring across the nation.

The walk is 2.2 miles along, representing the 22 veterans who take their lives each day, Powell explained.

“It’s designed to end the (stigma) of not wanting to ask for help,” he said. “It is designed to let vets know it is OK to not be OK.”

Those wanting to participate in the walk should just turn out and join in the event, according to Powell.

“We’re not charging an entry fee, but we will be accepting donations,” he said.

Money collected will go toward LaCoursiere’s chosen cause, which is the American Legion Veterans and Children’s Foundation.

LaCoursiere next will serve as the guest speaker for the Legion’s birthday dinner at 6 p.m. March 21 at the Post 1 hall, 45 Sycamore Ave., Elm Grove. Dress is business attire, and the cost is $25 per person.

Powell reports Post 1 has thus far received about 60-70 reservations, and there is “room for another 100.” Those interested in attending should call the post and leave a message at 304-830-5987 before the deadline on March 15.

“We’re hoping for a nice showing,” Powell said. “It has been about 30 years since we were able to host a national commander, and it’s a huge honor.”