American Legion Beginnings – World War I came to an end when an armistice was set to take effect in 1918—on the eleventh month (November), the eleventh day (Monday the 11th), at the eleventh hour (11:00 am). This historic moment ended what had been called The Great War, or The War to End All Wars.
Only three months later, on March 15–17, 1919, while much of the American Expeditionary Force (US Army in Europe) was still stationed in France, a group of American officers led by Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, met in Paris. Their goal was to create an organization that represented all members of the American Expeditionary Force. From that meeting, The American Legion was born. Today, its birthday is celebrated every year on March 15.
The Legion held its first National Convention later that same year, November 10–12, in Minneapolis, MN. More than 15,000 delegates attended, representing a membership of over 684,000. During this convention, the Legion adopted its Constitution, its Preamble, and 50 resolutions—including one affirming equal treatment for women who had served during the war.
The American Legion in Menomonie
In the summer of 1919, veterans in Menomonie began organizing their own group. They officially affiliated with The American Legion that fall as Post 32. Shortly after, they named the Post in honor of two local men—William Henry Hosford and John Carleton Chase—who gave their lives in the Great War. In 1920, the Post 32 unit of the American Legion Auxiliary was also organized and chartered.
The American Legion’s Preamble is still recited at every meeting. It reads: “For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: • To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; • To maintain law and order; • To foster and perpetuate a 100-percent Americanism; • To preserve the memories of our associations in all wars; • To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; • To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; • To make right the master of might; • To promote peace and good will on earth; • To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; • To consecrate and sanctify our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
Membership in The American Legion is open to anyone who has served at least one day of active federal military service since December 7, 1941, and who was honorably discharged or is still serving. (This was changed a few years ago from the requirement of service during certain dates identified by Congress as times of conflict).
Hosford-Chase Post 32 today has 73 members. While most are seasoned veterans—the Post welcomes younger members who desire to serve their community. And although membership numbers have dipped over time, the Post hopes to attract new members of all ages, providing opportunities to make an impact. Dues are $40/year.
The Post meets at 7:00 pm on the second Monday of even-numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec). Post 32 sold its longtime downtown building several years ago and now meets at The Stout Craft Company (1501 N. Broadway) in a private sky box room. Members often gather around 6:00 pm for food, connection, and conversation before the meeting begins.
Post 32 remains active in supporting youth and community programs. The Post sponsors local high school and home-schooled students for American Legion programs such as the Oratorical Contest, Badger Boys and Girls State, and the Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (WALLECA) and Youth Baseball.
Members also may participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, and many serve with the Menomonie Honor Guard—a joint team made up of the Menomonie American Legion, VFW, and Connorsville AmVets. The Honor Guard provides military honors at veterans’ funerals and participates in community ceremonies.
Additionally, the Post contributes to the VFW’s Unmet Needs Program, supports Legion scholarships, and partners with local nonprofits.
Each year Post 32 assists the District American Legion Riders during their Annual Brat Stand Fundraiser at Menomonie Fleet Farm’s Orange Friday event. Each year, Post 32 and the Riders are on site as early as 5:30 am, handing out free coffee, hot cocoa, and donuts before the doors open at 6:00 am.
This year’s event will be held this Friday, November 21. Look for Post 32 members assisting!
Veterans, if you want to help continue the proud legacy of American Legion in Menomonie and make a difference in the community, please consider joining Post 32.
John Miller is Post 32 Adjutant. To learn more about American Legion in Menomonie may contact him at 715-977-0954 or [email protected]