Albion American Legion Post 55

Post 55 is named after Patrick Leo Hanlon who was the first Albion Soldier killed during World War I.

The American Legion was formed by men and women, who while still in the service at the end of WWI, came together in Paris, France. They joined to form an organization that would later become a voice for all veterans, especially the wounded and disabled at a time when there were little or no benefits or health care for returning servicemen and women. Communism/socialism was fast growing in America, and the newly arriving veterans were appalled at the state of the country they fought for. The population generally felt insulated from the terrors of war and the sacrifice these men and women made. Many veterans were discriminated against because they had left their jobs to go to war. Or they returned with injuries that made their appearance "unacceptable". The American Legion eagerly sought measures to correct the direction the country was headed. In time, the GI bill was passed and the VA health care system was established. It took about 25 years and another world war, and remains a continuing effort.

The Department of Michigan granted our charter on July 29, 1919. Since then honorably discharged veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama and the Gulf War/War on Terrorism (beginning August 2, 1990 to present time), have continued serving the community, state and nation through American Legion Programs.
Not long ago membership was extended to those on active duty with honorable service. To join, call us.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Our programs help veterans get the support, assistance, medical and emotional help in the years following their military service.

Regular meetings Our meetings are held on the last Monday of the month, (except May and December which are rescheduled), area veterans gather here for food and fellowship and to discuss the care of fellow veterans and the betterment of the community, state and nation, which they fought for.
The post meetings, where every veteran is equal, (there is no rank in the American Legion), is where the membership decides what supportable programs or events will have the best effect on the community. It is also where experts from the 3rd Michigan District and Department of Michigan,(our state organization) inform the post of important issues in veterans health care and benefits.

Poppy Days Each year in May the members and Auxiliary raise funds to help veterans in need by asking the community to donate to the Poppy Fund. Our Veterans Service Officer uses these funds through-out the following year to assist veterans in need. We do not use the United Way, instead the veterans and their families sell poppies out in the community. Those who collect donations for Poppies, do so, not for themselves, but for those who cannot and may need help.

The Veterans Service Officer interacts between veterans, the County and Department experts. He or she also works with the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek and has arranged visits from patients to our post for dinner and recreation. Although not experts, the Service Officer has a wealth of knowledge and often can refer a veteran to the appropriate person for their particular need.

Americanism Believing each generation must be recognized and encouraged to use and appreciate our values and form of government the local post and auxiliary support the School Awards Medal program which recognizes 4th and 5th grade students recommended for their conduct in courage, honor, scholarship, leadership, service and patriotism. This program was begun by Don Hones in 1991.
High school students are eligible to attend Boys State, (The Auxiliary has Girls State), for a week of grass roots democracy and government at a University. It is held during the summer before the student's senior year in high school. Scholarships are provided by the post, auxiliary and other local clubs. The Post Americanism Chairman and Senior High Counselors make up the selection committee and encourage applications beginning in January. Albion teacher Vern Baldwin is believed to have been one of the first counselors for Albion in 1941. News anchorman Tom Brokaw and President Bill Clinton, of national prominence, attended Boys State and Boys Nation. Boys Nation is held in Washington D.C., and they meet with the President and their Representatives and Senators.

Memorial Day The post has served the community since the 1930's by sponsoring the annual Memorial Day Parade, and hosting the decoration of veteran’s graves, given over to it by the last survivors of the Civil War.

The Post Honor Guard All during the years since its beginning in 1919 the members have provided military honors at funerals or graveside. This is done primarily for members of the post and honorably discharged veterans from the Albion area. We are fortunate today in that the military services provide active duty personnel which our members are occasionally asked to augment. Usually we provide the firing squad. Because most funerals occur on weekdays with short notice, we sometimes do not have sufficient volunteers to participate. The military, if requested, and available, does render military honors regardless.

The Post Color Guard Consists of 2 flag carriers and 2 guards and have been present at parades, school flag presentations, band concerts and community events.