The citizens of Evans City typically gather every year to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during times of war.

American Legion Post 219 will not have its annual Memorial Day recognition event in Evans City this year because membership decline has left only a few people available to coordinate plans.

Bob Young, commander of American Legion Post 219 in Evans City, said the post has 18 members on the books, but many have moved away or died in recent years, leaving only three active members.

Young said the recognition event usually took place the Sunday before Memorial Day in Evans City. Despite the lack of membership, Young said the program was appreciated by local residents.

“It was pretty popular last year, there were probably 75, 80 people,” Young said. “I had a couple people call me and wonder if we are putting it on.”

Young said he is still interested in having a memorial ceremony in Evans City this weekend, but it will have to be organized in conjunction with others who would help plan an event.

The decline in membership could have further implications to the future of the American Legion post. Young said if the organization is unable to plan a Memorial Day event next year, the remaining members would likely consider disbanding.

He said that unlike many other American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, the Evans City unit doesn’t have a bar, which may deter potential members.

Young said that while he still hopes to recruit people to join the organization, disbanding is on the table.

“I could see in the future we'll have to just close it down, period,” he said. “We’ll have to take the money we have and distribute it to organizations and people.”

Young said he is holding out hope that more people will get involved with the American Legion and its Memorial Day event. The legion can be reached by calling 724-538-5493.

“It is (heartbreaking), it's something we used to look forward every year,” Young said.