Veterans in Cannon County want their own American Legion Post; they have started the process of doing just that. The American Legion was chartered in 1919 by the Congress of the United States, as a Patriotic Organization of helpfulness, for the mutual benefits of the veterans and their families.
The policy of the American Legion is to have a minimum of 15 Charter Members. A suggestion was made by several veterans to not just have 15 charter members but to extend it to all veterans that want to be a charter member. To do this the Veterans suggested to advertize in the local media, the Cannon Courier, the Cannon Wire and radio station WBRY to give all veterans a chance to be a charter member.
It was decided to have a cut-off date of October 15, 2009 as the last day to be able to register as a charter member; after that date anyone who joins will be a member with full status. The only difference with the charter member and the regular member is that a list of the charter members will always be identified and displayed. The post will then have the capacity to start a Women’s Auxiliary Post and a Son’s Auxiliary Post. The American Legion Post will eventually have its own meeting hall. Then the Cannon County American Legion Post will be activated and given a post number.
This is an opportunity for all eligible veterans come and share their experiences. This is an excellent opportunity for our veterans to do good things for our country again. The members, under the direction of elected leaders will set the stage for what the goals and objectives will be.
There was an American Legion Post in Woodbury in the 40’s, 50’s and even into the 60’s. Today the American Legion is almost 3 million strong; the largest veterans organization involving 15,000 posts around the world. This organization has strong lobbyists in Washington watching out for the service men and women. They are an outstanding lobbyists group in Congress. The Legion makes sure that the veterans and their spouses and families get the benefits due them. They are a major player when the legislators are considering changes in the laws concerning the veterans and their benefits.
To sign up to be a member you will need a copy of your DD-214/separation papers, honorable discharge, $30.00 yearly dues, and a short application unless of course you are currently in the service. The application forms are available at the First Stop Market next to the Woodbury Police Department at the start of the John Bragg Highway in town. See the owner Dan Bowling, or call Britt Knox at 615-904-5644 or Jim Stone at 615-563-6111,
The American Legion will be a separate Veterans organization honoring our veterans.