ELLEN MORTENSEN

It has been 105 years since the American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members, and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. 

Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The Callaway American Legion Auxiliary Unit 59 hosted a “Birthday Party” on March 10 at the Legion Hall to celebrate the 105th year of  'birth' of the American Legion organization. Auxiliary Vice President Jane Lashley presided over the celebration and presented a monetary gift from the Auxiliary to Dale Estergard, Post Commander as a birthday gift to Post 59. 

Special guests attending were Custer County Auxiliary President  Linnea Eggleston of Oconto and Custer County Commander Bill Schaad of Callaway. Cake and ice cream were served to 25 guests.

Callaway American Legion Post 59 was organized by Dr. R.D. Bryson and granted its charter in September of 1919. The post began with 15 members and Dr. Bryson as the first Post Commander. By 1932 the Post had secured their place in the Callaway community and erected a flag pole on the Legion lot at Rose Hill Cemetery. By 1967, membership had grown to 73 men.

Meanwhile, the area’s ladies formed the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary in 1925 with 22 charter members. Mrs. Paul McDill was the first Auxiliary president. The early years of the Callaway Legion Auxiliary were spent with the ladies primarily engaged in projects to serve the veterans, particularly disabled veterans. 

It is that kind of service that continues today, as the Bryson-Booker Legion Post and Legion Auxiliary work side-by-side to serve their community and those who have been and still are engaged in protecting our freedoms.