World War II anti-tank gun replica donated to American Legion in Wilson Borough (PHOTOS)

Some may associate the American Legion with their grandfathers, or as a youth baseball sponsor.

American Legion Lester Pfeffer Post 611 in Wilson Borough wants the public to know it’s an active service organization that, thanks to a new federal law aimed at expanding its ranks, is looking for more members.

"As you know the American Legions have been dying," Post Commander George Karelas said Saturday. "The younger folks seem not to be attracted to the American Legion or the VFW. As time passes and as younger people get older and wiser, we're hoping those things will change."

Karelas on Saturday represented both the legion and the volunteer Pennsylvania State Defense Force, in which he serves as lieutenant colonel. The force built for the legion a replica of a World War II anti-tank gun, and the legion hosted a ceremony Saturday afternoon to dedicate it.

The 37mm M3 was designed to be light enough for paratroopers to carry into battle. Introduced in 1940, it saw service primarily in the Africa and Italian campaigns and against Japanese tanks that were lighter than German tanks, according to Karelas, who served with the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1991 followed by service with New York Army National Guard.

Built from mostly metal with some PVC pipe, the replica faces south alongside the legion post, from its picturesque vista overlooking the Lehigh River valley across to South Side Easton, Glendon and Williams Township.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and Wilson Borough Mayor Donald Barrett joined state Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, and James Schantz, representing state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, at Saturday's dedication.

The new law looking to add legion members, Senate Bill 504, took effect July 30. The LEGION (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service) Act allows active duty and honorably discharged service-members to join a legion post even if their service did not fall during wartime.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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