The solution to the debt problem at the American Legion is as clear as the view of Fountain Lake from the north end of Broadway Avenue.

The veterans organizations need to put aside their differences, come together and run the place jointly. It would be a shame to lose the place due to petty differences such as whether someone served in the military in the United States or overseas, during a time of war or during a time of peace, were disabled or remained healthy, were active duty or weekend warrior, or were a simply a supportive patriotic spouse or child instead of a full-on soldier.

Take the little-used area in the northeast corner of the building and, using dividers (not actual walls), create cubicles so each organization has office space. Every organization seeks a place to run its operations. This is what the Legion can do to make peace.

There are many ways to consider how organizations would work together for the good of the building, and there are some onerous national bylaws to deal with, but the formation of a joint veterans board would be a good start toward finding the best way to work together. The Legion organization, to get some buy-in, is probably going to have to give up some control, too.

A joint board could study what was accomplished by the veterans in Blooming Prairie to form a shared place. The board could look into setting a strong financial base. The board could consider what the community desires, not merely what a few boisterous members want. And the board’s primary mission would be to find amenable solutions.

The veterans organizations in Albert Lea are going to continue to be around whether they have a building or not. But there is no doubt that having a place to muster and to socialize is needed. We are confident the veterans can get the job done.