The Servicemen’s Free Canteen of Lima and Allen County held the distinction of being the longest continuously operated canteen in the country.  Service began during World War II and continued up until 1970 when the Canteen closed.  At that time, rail transportation was no longer the preferred method of travel for servicmen.  But throughout its long history, the Canteen served an estimated four million soldiers, sailors, and marines.  The volunteer spirit of the many women and men that supported the Canteen will never be forgotten.  That same spirit of volunteerism lives on in our community today.  Who do you know that is a volunteer?  What type of volunteer service do they perform?  Are you a volunteer?