History of American Legion San Benito Post 69

Following World War I, the American Legion was founded in 1919 to provide assistance to veterans and promote their interests.  To be eligible for membership one must have served in the military during a time of military conflict.

With a membership of 2.8 million members, the American Legion is the largest veterans organization in America. It has Posts in every state and some foreign countries.  Each state is a department with each department being divided into districts. Posts are located in cities and small geographical areas with more than 800 Posts in California.

San Benito Post 69 was founded on September 25, 1919.  The number 69 indicates that it was the 69th post to be founded in California. Thus Post 69 has had a long and distinguished record of service to veterans and indeed all America.  Its members have served with distinction at every level from local to national.

The Veterans Memorial Building, located at 7th and San Benito Streets in Hollister, was built to honor the memory of those who served in the military and to provide a place for veterans to meet while carrying out their service to God and Country. From that date, veterans have been provided ample space, without costs, to carry out their programs and responsibilities.

Purposes of the American Legion

Legionnaires associate themselves together for the following purposes:

• to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States

• to maintain law and order

• to foster and perpetuate 100% Americanism

• to preserve the memories of our association in the great 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 goodwill on earth

• to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice freedom, and democracy

• to consecrate and sanctify comradeship by a devotion to mutual helpfulness

American Legion Programs

Programs have been developed to carry out the purposes of the American Legion.  It should be noted that the American Legion serves all veterans and their families without regard to their previous rank whether or not they are members of the organization.  The following illustrates the types of services provided by San Benito County American Legion Post 69:

• Provides information on veteran benefits

• Helps secure transportation to medical facilities for those who need it

• Provides chaplain assistance upon the death of veterans or family members

• Provides funeral and other military honors

• Promotes children and youth activities

• Promotes local Americanism activities

• Participates in community service activities

• Provides civil disaster services

• Promotes Boys State

• Provides a place and opportunity for comradeship