Anyone driving through Sayre along Route 66 may notice something different these days. In three separate spots across town, new signs are appearing, long-awaited lights are glowing, and pieces of local history are being brought back to life. Together, they tell a story of momentum, community pride, and a town determined to brighten its future—one sign at a time.
Earlier this year, the Record followed three separate projects taking shape across Sayre: the American Legion’s move into its new downtown headquarters, the dedication of the newly named Karen Sanders Senior Citizen Center, and the Western Motel’s push to restore its historic Route 66 neon sign. All three now have important updates worth celebrating.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 146: A NEW SIGN THAT’S ALREADY SHINING Earlier this year, we covered American Legion Post 146 as they moved into their first permanent home in years. At that time, the only marker out front was a temporary banner. Now, the post has officially installed its brand-new digital marquee sign—a bright, modern display that finally gives the Legion the visibility its members have long hoped for.
Post Commander Elmo said it best: “We just want to be seen.” With the lights now shining out onto Fourth Street, they are. The digital sign marks a new era for Post 146, signaling that the doors are open, the coffee is on, and the Legion is ready to welcome veterans and the community.
That visibility is already being put to work. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 will host a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Saturday, November 15th at 3 p.m. in the Sayre City Park. Residents are invited to bring worn or damaged American flags to be honorably retired in a brief, respectful ceremony. For those unable to attend, flags may be dropped off at City Hall through 5 p.m. Friday, or picked up by calling Billie Cook at 580-729-6598.
KAREN SANDERS SENIOR CENTER: NOW LIGHTING UP ROUTE 66 In August, we reported on the surprise dedication of the Karen Sanders Senior Citizen Center—an emotional moment honoring Karen’s 28 years of service to Sayre’s seniors.
At that time, the brand-new LED sign bearing her name had been installed, but it remained dark while the center waited on power. That wait is finally over. The sign is now fully powered and shines brightly each night along Route 66, giving the center a warm, welcoming presence it has never had before.
A special thank-you goes to the City of Sayre—and especially City Manager Ted Lawson—for helping bring the sign to life. Inside the center, the work continues with its growing garden project and the daily service that has made the facility a cornerstone for so many. But now, with the sign finally lit, Karen Sanders’ name glows as brightly as her decades of dedication.
WESTERN MOTEL: LIGHTING UP THE PAST FOR 2026 For readers who followed our earlier feature on the Patels and their effort to restore the Western Motel’s iconic neon sign, the community campaign has officially begun. A new initiative, “Light Up the Sign!”, invites Sayre residents to help fund repairs to the original 1950s-era neon beacon—the town’s last surviving Route 66 motel sign. The goal is to have the sign fully restored and glowing in time for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026.
The Western Motel has already secured a grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, but community support is needed to close the gap. Residents may drop off donations at First National Bank in Sayre—simply note that the contribution is for the Western Motel’s neon sign fund—or donate through the GoFundMe page titled “Repair Western Motel Sign.” Every contribution helps preserve a piece of Sayre’s living history. As supporters put it: “When we light the sign, we light up Sayre.”
A TOWN MOVING FORWARD
Three signs. Three stories. One message: Sayre is moving forward. Whether it’s honoring veterans, celebrating decades of service at the Senior Center, or preserving the town’s Route 66 heritage, each project shows a community investing in visibility, pride, and connection. With every new light that comes on, Sayre’s identity grows a little brighter—and the Mother Road glows with it.
