(KNZA)--July 30-August 3rd has been proclaimed as Homer White Week in Hiawatha.

Homer White American Legion Post 66 in Hiawatha will honor its namesake with several activities Tuesday through Saturday, and the community is encouraged to take part.

Post 66 Public Information Officer Bob Sines said the Legion has been working with local civic organizations to put on the event, which will commemorate the 100th anniversary the death of White during World War 1, 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 and 100th anniversary of the establishment of the American Legion by Congress.

White, who grew up in the area, served as a motorcycle courier during World War 1.  He died in February 1919 from injuries received in a motorcycle accident and was buried in Germany.  

His family raised money to have his body returned to Hiawatha and he was buried at the Hiawatha Cemetery on August 3, 1919. .  Sines said it was one of the largest military funerals in Kansas attended by hundreds of dignitaries, residents and military veterans.

Sines said the Legion plans to re-enact the event on Saturday, August 3rd complete with a procession down Oregon Street to the Hiawatha Cemtery just like in 1919.  The patriotic procession will begin at 12 noon from the Courthouse Square.

Several other events are also planned this week as part of the celebration.

On Tuesday, there will be retailer’s specials and a window decoration contest in memory Homer White, with a cash prize for the best window.

On Wednesday evening on the courthouse square beginning at 6:00, there will be car show, games and the Hiawatha Community Jazz Band will be performing. In addition, the Lions Club will be serving burgers and hot dogs.

On Thursday evening, the Brown County Historical Society will hold a picnic at their Ag Museum site on East Iowa Street at 6:30.

On Friday evening, a free-will donation banquet will take place at the Fisher Center at 6:30, which will include a short program