Nights in the cold and a 2-mile walk mark Legion meeting in La Crosse

American Legion members are gathered in La Crosse for a Midwinter conference, lasting through Sunday at the Radisson.

While the main events are at the downtown hotel, some Legion members have been spending time out in the cold to remember veterans.

Members of the Legion family are “Freezin’ for a Reason,” spending overnight in large boxes outside the Legion hall on 6th Street, to raise money and promote awareness of veterans at risk.

At the start of the convention on Thursday, about 30 people walked from the Radisson to the Legion Hall, and then back to the hotel, on what’s called the 2.2 Mile Walk, which calls attention to the average of 22 veterans a day who commit suicide.

The walkers carried large stones with them, representing vets who have committed suicide, and showing the commitment to help Legion members who have trouble. Those stones are displayed on a table in the Radisson lobby throughout the Legion convention.