The American Legion was founded by Lt. Colonel Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. in France at the end of World War I. The son of the famous President and war hero, Teddy Jr. came up with the idea of a lifelong fraternal order for Veterans after commiserating with his fellow soldiers- doughboys, as they were called back then -while awaiting transport back home after the war. The doughboys knew that they would soon be home and demobilized.
And then what?
A welcomed return to civilian life after wartime service. Marrying, raising children, living a well deserved life of peace and tranquillity.
Yet going from the uniform to civvies was too abrupt, too permanent for all too many. A part of them needed some way, some outlet, to help them to hold onto, or at least remember, that important part of their lives when they wore that uniform with pride. So Teddy and his fellow doughboys founded the American Legion, with the understanding that it would serve as an organization to support and welcome Veterans. But much more, to offer Veterans a place they could call home. And that’s what Post 440 in Newton is, a place for veterans to call home and most important, a place to remember those who never made it home.
Venture downstairs at the Post and gaze at the World War I glass case highlighting Newtonites who served in that war, most of whom were fortunate enough to make it home. Then continue down the hall to the right where you’ll encounter the Wall of Honor. Photos of Newton servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice, looking out at us as if uttering that solemn endearing word… Remember. And remember them, we do.
Post 440 honors the fallen. And thanks the living. Memorial Day, Veterans Day are sacred to the Post, commemorated and honored. With the understanding that while those who fell in war are a tragedy, those who returned from the war are a blessing. And it is those who returned for whom we are grateful. Especially the ones who are still very much with us. The Veterans. The men and women from our Newton community for whom Post 440 was built. The very reason for its existence. For decades the Post has stood and served as a beacon for hundreds, if not thousands, of local Veterans. For decades more it will stand.
Thank you,
God Bless Our Veterans.
And God Bless the United States of America.
Their nation, Our nation, which they served with honor
