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
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to foster and
perpetuate 100% Americanism
-
to preserve
the memories of our association in the great wars
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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
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