Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN)—As you enter Cherryville's downtown area, you may notice a mural celebrating the American Legion Post 100. It is beside Pete's Fishbox on the 114 West First Street building. The mural honors veterans and demonstrates the community's ongoing support for them and their families. Cherryville City Councilwoman Jill Puett and Real Estate Agent Vickie Spurling spoke to our WNN team about the mural's importance.
Spurling explained that they scouted several locations, including the Post 100 building, before selecting the current location for the mural. "This building already had these four concrete pillars, so as we looked around, we were drawn back to this spot," Spurling said.
The building was previously rundown, lacked electricity, and required major renovations before it was ready for the mural. Permits had to be pulled and electrical work completed before any painting could begin.
The American Legion Cherryville Post 100 Mural
Mason Beam (WNN)
Spurling presented the idea for the mural to the Cherryville City Council one day. She spoke about it on behalf of Patrick O'Leary, the founder of Cherryville Mainstreet, LLC. According to Spurling, O'Leary is very knowledgeable about history and made sure to conduct his research about the American Legion before having Spurling present his idea to the council.
In 1919, the American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
The 1st Pillar: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, focuses on providing assistance and advocacy for veterans and their families. The American Legion helps veterans access the benefits and services they have earned through their military service, including healthcare, education, disability compensation, and pensions. They also support veterans' homes, hospitals, and cemeteries, and offer programs for homeless, injured, and disabled veterans. Lastly, they advocate for legislation and policies that protect and enhance the rights and welfare of veterans and their families.
The 2nd Pillar: National Security, reflects the American Legion's commitment to a strong national defense and a peaceful world. The Legion supports men and women who serve in the armed forces and their families and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
The second pillar on the mural. October 7th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The 3rd Pillar: Americanism demonstrates the American Legion's commitment to the ideals and values of the United States. The Legion promotes patriotism, good citizenship, and respect for the flag and Constitution. It also teaches people about the history and meaning of American symbols and holidays. These include the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star-Spangled Banner, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. The Legion also stands against illegal immigration and supports those who enter the country legally.
The third pillar on the mural. October 7th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The 4th Pillar: Children & Youth demonstrates the American Legion's concern for the well-being and future of America's youth. The American Legion sponsors various programs that help children and youth develop their physical, mental, moral, and social skills. Some of these programs include the American Legion Baseball, the Junior Shooting Sports Program, the Child Welfare Foundation, the Family Support Network, and the Temporary Financial Assistance Program. The American Legion also supports various organizations that serve children and youth, including the Special Olympics, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The fourth pillar on the mural. October 7th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The four pillars of the American Legion represent its core values and mission. Through these pillars, the American Legion strives to uphold its Motto: "For God and Country."
Post 100's mural features the four pillars and includes 100 words in total, 25 for each Pillar. Per Spurling, she and O'Leary sat down together and came up with each word that is seen on the mural before it was sent to the graphic artist who designed it.
Some of the many words found on the mural. October 7th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Erica Anne de Flamand, a graphic artist from Statesville, designed the mural. She works for Rocky Creek Ranch, a therapeutic riding farm that O'Leary owns. Anne de Flamand creates all his graphic art and drawings.
As for the project coming together, the idea was presented to the American Legion's committee. They reviewed it to determine if they liked the mural or not. The idea was then approved by the Legion and taken to the Cherryville City Council, where it was also approved. After this, Anne de Flamand began working on the design. Final touches were provided by different people who handled the framing, painting, and electrical upgrades that were needed to bring the project to life.
Puett and Spurling pointed out that these projects help preserve the close community feel, even as the area expands and changes. Visitors from other places often admire the town’s look and murals. These artworks reflect progress while still respecting the city's traditions and past stories.
The Cherryville New Year's shooters mural, located near downtown Cherryville. October 7th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
If anyone has suggestions for the next City Mural and has an idea of where they'd like to put it, Spurling is open to suggestions. You can contact her via Phone at 704-445-4888 or by Email at vickiespurlingrealty@gmail.com
Two hometown hero banners that can be seen beside the mural. October 7th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The official dedication of the Post 100 mural is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11, at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend and join in the celebration with the American Legion family and community members. “There’s plenty of parking, and everyone is welcome,” Puett said.
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