PRESENTER TO FOCUS ON CUSTER — Columbus resident Van Young will serve as “General Custer” during the Custer Memorial Association’s annual dinner celebration commemorating his 186th birthday on Dec. 13. -- Contributed

SCIO — Rick Williams, who serves as the Custer Memorial Association’s own “General Custer,” will host a dinner to commemorate the observance of Custer’s 186th birthday.

To be served by the members of the Scio American Legion Post 482, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the post, located at 38175 Crimm Road in Scio.

Following dinner, a birthday cake will be served and golden sponsors will be recognized.

The evening’s guest speaker will be Van Young, who will address the audience with his program entitled, “Custer’s Last Stand — the Battle of Little Big Horn.”

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana territory, pitted federal troops, led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, against a band of Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors.

According to officials, next year will be the 150th observance of the battle.

Young’s talk will provide the background, details and events that led to what historians refer to as “the greatest military defeat in U.S. history.”

In addition, Young will discuss the forced relocation of Native Americans.

Considering himself a self-taught historian, Young was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and has been a resident of Columbus for 44 years.

One of his retirement goals was to spend time studying and learning about the Civil War — specifically, the social and personal stories of that era. That goal has led him to immerse himself to learn more about American history.

Since his retirement from AT&T in 2012, Young has been active in two Central Ohio Civil War organizations and is president of the Griswold Center American History study group. He presents to area history groups, senior centers, retirement villages and local colleges, discussing topics related to American history, travel and current events. The grandfather of four enjoys pickleball and looks forward to visiting battlefields and museums associated with the Civil War. As he likes to say, “Remember, we are living history.”

An auction will take place following Young’s program. Items will include Custer-related memorabilia and other items donated from area businesses.

The cost will be $18 per person, with reservations to be made by Dec. 6.

For tickets or information, visit the Harrison County Visitor Center, located in Cadiz, or contact Dave Rose at (740) 945-3744. Payments can also be mailed to: P.O. Box 111, Jewett, OH 43986.