There are places in America that define who it is that we are and try to become. Democracy is alive and well in Washington, D.C. Humanity is breathing in shelters and churches that tend to the poor. Resiliency resides in the hospitals where patients recover from all sorts of health problems. And The American Legion Post 675, located down on the Darkside, is one of the best examples of patriotism around.

If you can imagine being at a wedding that serves great inexpensive drinks, guests wear jeans and there is Karaoke, then you can picture the Legion. It has a sort of an old school, our-grandparents-would-have-hung-out-here type feel that I just eat up.

I lost my Legion 'V-card' this past Friday. They say good things come to those who wait. Well, in terms of the Legion, it may have been the biggest social pitfall of my collegiate career to wait until my junior year to start going every Friday. I had no idea what I was missing.

There is a great mix of college students and Legion members'most of which are a bit older than our parents'that make it a great place to be.

When I first walked in, I wasn't sure what to expect. About five seconds later, though, I was enjoying a great drink while doing the electric slide along side many of my classmates and members of the Legion.

But the Legion is about much more than a place to drink and be merry with friends on Friday. It stands in tribute to those that served and are serving in the military. The Legion continually offers scholarships to deserving kids and is known for their service and charitable works they do throughout the year.

It's places like the Legion that bring us together as Americans. We're not Democrats or Republicans or rich or poor when we're at the Legion. We are simply and wonderfully American.

Around closing time each Friday all still in attendance join hands and take part in the singing of God Bless America. As if the camaraderie wasn't flowing before, at this point it virtually spills over. The place drips America.

The American Legion's slogan is 'For God and Country.' Though you may be unaware, this used to be a major motto around UD. When exactly 'Pro Deo et Patria' was exchanged for 'Learn, Lead and Serve' I don't know. To me, serving God seems a much more fitting statement for a Catholic university than leading.

In any case, if you're tired of the financial harassment that you take from Tim's each weekend, start going to the Legion. Tim's may be for country, but it is certainly not for God. The Legion stands for both. It's only open on Friday's, though. Saturdays are members only.

Plus, Terry Bradshaw is going to be there next Friday. Now, come on, how many places in Dayton can get Terry Bradshaw? The guy won four Super Bowls!