The message posted on social media was stark.

Either show up for the monthly meeting of American Legion Post 296 in Mineola on June 27 to select officers, or the post faces closure.

Interim Commander Colin Cater said the last monthly meeting scheduled for the annual officer election drew only five participants – not enough to fill all the positions.

Cater said he and his wife have been making calls, putting out messages on social media and plan to write letters this week ahead of the meeting to try to drum up interest.

Though the Legion’s records show there are 45-50 members locally, the attendance at the most recent meeting has been typical of late.

And it’s not just a problem here. Other Legion posts around the state have also been faced with closing.

The post was formed here in 1921 and has been active in numerous community activities through the years.

The post owns its building on Hwy. 80 east of Mineola, which still hosts other events, such as the Mineola Railers square dance club.

Cater said the post is still able to support programs such as Boys State, sending several boys to this year’s event.

But without a slate of officers, the post cannot retain its charter.

The Legion is open to any who have served in the military.

Cater noted many who supported the post over the years have aged out, and fewer younger veterans are joining.