10/21/2026
A Message from the Commander of West Noble American Legion Post 243
I want to address a situation that deeply concerns me, both as the Commander of West Noble American Legion Post 243 and as someone who believes in the values of respect, equality, and service that the American Legion is supposed to represent.
I understand that a complaint was submitted to the Indiana Excise Department alleging that nonmembers were permitted to purchase and consume alcohol at our establishment on Friday nights when it was not an authorized guest day. What concerns me is not simply that a complaint was filed, but the apparent selective focus of that complaint.
The complaint reportedly included an advertisement for our Latino Nights, specifically drawing attention to events that celebrate our Hispanic community. If the concern were genuinely about membership rules, guest privileges, or the proper service of alcohol, why single out Hispanic patrons and Latino Nights rather than address the alleged violations consistently, regardless of who was present?
That distinction matters.
When a complaint specifically highlights an event celebrating the Hispanic community, while seemingly using that event to support allegations about membership and alcohol service, it raises serious and legitimate questions about whether Hispanic patrons were being singled out because of their ethnicity. I cannot speak to the complainant’s private intentions, but I will not ignore the appearance of racial targeting when the circumstances raise those concerns.
Let me make one thing absolutely clear: our Hispanic community is welcome at West Noble American Legion Post 243. Our Latino Nights and other events are intended to bring people together, strengthen community ties, and create a welcoming environment. People should not be made to feel that their presence is suspicious or unwelcome simply because of their ethnicity.
At the same time, our Post must follow applicable laws, regulations, and membership requirements. Any legitimate concern about compliance should be addressed fairly and consistently, without singling out one racial or ethnic group. We will take our responsibilities seriously, and we expect the same fairness and integrity from everyone who raises concerns about our establishment.
To the person who submitted this complaint: if your concern was truly about compliance, it should have been addressed without selectively highlighting our Hispanic patrons or an advertisement for an event celebrating their community. If your actions were motivated by racial prejudice, you should take a hard look at what you are doing and what it says about your willingness to treat your fellow human beings with dignity and respect.
As Commander, I have a responsibility to protect the integrity of this Post and ensure that every person who walks through our doors is treated with fairness and respect. I will not tolerate racism, racial harassment, or discriminatory remarks from anyone at our American Legion, whether that person is a member, a guest, or a visitor.
If I personally hear someone making racist comments or directing racial harassment toward another person in our establishment, I will address it immediately and, when warranted, personally es**rt that individual out the door. No one should mistake our commitment to being welcoming for a willingness to tolerate discrimination.
The American Legion was built on service, sacrifice, patriotism, and the belief that those who serve our country deserve respect. Those values mean very little if we fail to extend basic dignity to the people standing beside us in our own community.
I am proud that West Noble American Legion Post 243 opens its doors to the broader community through events that bring people together. I will continue working to make this Post a place where veterans, families, Hispanic residents, and people from every background can feel welcome.
We can enforce our rules without discriminating. We can uphold the law without targeting an ethnic group. And we can disagree without abandoning our humanity.
Racism has no place at West Noble American Legion Post 243. It will not be excused, ignored, or tolerated under my leadership. So that being said if you can’t handle equality under our roof then get a hobby and feel free to find another place to hang out because we do not want your business or your toxicity.
Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Commander
West Noble American Legion Post 243
Ligonier, Indiana
