The American Legion was chartered by Congress on Sept. 16, 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization, focused on service to veterans, service members, and communities. Earlier in the year on March 15-17, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened in Paris for the first American Legion caucus. On May 8-10, in St. Louis, Missouri, “The American Legion” was adopted as the organization’s official name. The Legion’s draft preamble and constitution were approved. On June 9, the National Executive Committee adopted the Legion emblem. On Nov. 10-12, in Minneapolis, the Constitution and preamble are adopted.

Establishing posts and signing up members swiftly gained momentum in southwest Minnesota in 1919. Discussion of establishing an American Legion post in Marshall appeared in the June 13, 1919, edition of The News Messenger of Lyon County. In the Aug. 15, 1919, newspaper, it was reported that the Marshall Post of the American Legion will soon be completely organized. The application was signed and forwarded to the headquarters. According to the article, a committee appointed by the discharged service men planned for the organization of the Post and discussed the matter of naming the Post. The name chosen for the Post was that of Luther Irl Snapp, who was the first Marshall man killed in action in World War I. In the Sept.5, 1919, newspaper, it was reported that the Legion Post in Marshall becomes active with more than 100 members and more joining.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows Marshall World War I veterans, Herman Stone and A.L. Soucy. They are dressed in their American Legion uniforms. The photograph was taken in St. Paul for a parade and the photograph was published in the Marshall Messenger on Aug. 7, 1957.

Happy Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11! Thank you to all the men and women who have served in our armed forces and are currently serving. The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.