Troopers to be Part of Royal Court

SOUTH CHARLESTON – On Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, 2003, three West Virginia State Troopers will take part in the American Legion’s Annual King and Queen for a Day Program. The program allows physically handicapped children between the ages of 6 and 12 the opportunity to be a “King” or “Queen” for a day.

First Lieutenant D.A. Totten, Sergeant B. M. Brown and Senior Trooper S. R. Oglesby and members of the American Legion, local volunteers and other law enforcement officers will be on hand to act as the “King’s” and “Queen’s” court members for the day. Various law enforcement agencies along with the West Virginia State Police send police officers to serve as volunteers.

On Friday, numerous children from across the State will arrive at the Ramada Inn in South Charleston where they will receive a T-shirt, ball cap and goodie bag. The children will be greeted and checked into their rooms. The “Kings” and “Queens” will then be served a special dinner in a banquet hall at the hotel. Following dinner, the children will be treated to a show and dancing.

On Saturday morning, the children will be transported in police cruisers to the West Virginia Air National Guard base for dancing and entertainment. The day will wrap up at the West Virginia State Police Academy where the children will be served lunch and awarded prizes.

The program was started by Dr. Ben Golden of Elkins in 1951 as part of the 40&8 Society of the American Legion’s child welfare program. This is one of the American Legion’s largest national programs. Donations are provided by various local organizations to help pay for rooms and meals for the children during the two-day event.

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