The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The mood was patriotism and fraternal brotherhood at Sykeston American Legion Post 17 Saturday, August 27, as the hall was reopened under new owners Daniel and Sonja Johnston. A good crowd gathered outside and inside Sykeston Legion for pre-grand opening flag ceremonies, as well as a small car show on Main Street.
The sun shines through Old Glory during the flag-raising ceremony.
Daniel Johnston, co-owner of Sykeston Legion, speaks during grand opening ceremonies. Johnston is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Texas and South Korea.
Sonja Johnston serves a customer at the bar during Sykeston Legion's grand opening Saturday, August 27.
A good crowd gathered on Main Street to help Sykeston Legion celebrate their Grand Opening, as the flag is raised during opening ceremonies.
This place of honor is meant for veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and patrons are not permitted to sit at this stool.
Daniel and Sonja Johnston decided to give back to the Sykeston Main Street district by honoring those who have come before them and gave of themselves in service so that all can enjoy their freedoms.
The Johnstons have reopened American Legion Post 17 as a community bar, and their business goes by the shorthand designation, "Sykeston Legion."
Opening ceremonies included a flag-raising and playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner," which was attended by a good contingent from Sykeston and the greater area.
"We knew from day one that we wanted our building to be dedicated to the brave men and women of our military and our first responders," said Sonja. "That part was easy, but figuring out the design was a little more difficult."
The bar top is decorated with regalia from various branches of responders and mementos from veterans and their families.
"We have patches, coins and ribbons from lots of families in the area, and we are so very honored by that," they said. "Also, we had community members donate Sykeston memorabilia for our town history entryway. It was really cool to see how many people wanted to be a part of it."
Born and raised in North Dakota, Daniel grew up in Sykeston and spent much time there in his younger years.
The two have been immersed in the bar scene from their youth, as Daniel's grandparents owned bars on Main Avenue in Sykeston, just feet from where Sykeston Legion stands.
"My grandfather owned bars in San Francisco when my father and his siblings were growing up, so Daniel and I both have that in our blood on some level," said Sonja.
He moved to California in sixth grade, eventually graduating from Lodi High School in 1994, and met Sonja there. She graduated from Lodi in 1995.
After schooling, he joined the U.S. Army and served four years. Daniel was stationed in Texas and Camp Casey, South Korea.
The Johnstons have come to Sykeston for several summers in a row, and, in their words, "have grown to love this place so much."
They cited the closure of the Jockey Club and its eventual demolition as a motivation to fix up the Legion hall.
"I think we all felt the loss of the Jockey Club here," said Sonja.
In August 2020, the family moved to Sykeston full time so that their sons could attend school in person.
"Kids in California were still being subjected to distance learning, and lockdowns were still in full effect," she said.
The two say that nearly everyone in the Sykeston community and surrounding towns have welcomed them back with open arms, so they wanted to give back to their new hometown.
"After talking with lots of our friends and neighbors, we decided to embark on this crazy adventure," they said.
American Legion Post 17 utilized the building for many years, hosting numerous events during that time. As time went on, however, the building was being used less and less, so they decided to sell it.
"We're so grateful they did," said Sonja. "Post 17 will always have a home at the Sykeston Legion for their meetings, and any events they ever want to have. They are a fantastic group of people."
A wall in the building is dedicated to all the men and women of Post 17, along with an Honor Roll of all those lost along the way.
Along with the bar, the Sykeston Legion offers "munchies", and the opening ceremony held on Saturday, August 27, featured chili.
The first event to be held at the new bar will be the Neon Lights Fun Run/Walk in honor of Jim Neumiller on September 24.
Following the Run/Walk, there will be a free-will offering dinner at Sykeston Legion.
"The party will continue after with a few surprises, as we celebrate Jimmy's life and legacy," said Sonja.
Daniel and Sonja are the parents of two sons, Ian, a 2021 CHS graduate in his second year at NDSCS in Wahpeton studying electrical technology, and Ty is a senior at CHS who will be graduating in the spring of 2023. He plans to attend NDSU.
Hours for Sykeston Legion are Wednesday-Thursday from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 4 p.m.-midnight, but the Johnstons say they will stay open later if there is a party that night.
