On August 1st, 2008 our Post started its "88th" year of service to Veterans, Youth and our community.
March 17th, 1919 the Paris Caucus as called to order with the purpose to organize a new Veterans Group to insure that all wounded Veterans would receive medical benefits and help for serving their county in War. Teddy Roosevelt was part of this meeting.
During this Caucus, many names were bantered about and finally Maj. Maurice Gordon is credited for making the motion calling for the name "The American Legion"
Obviously, the name stuck. In Naperville, over 300 young men went into service during WWI. As Naperville had a population of approximately 3,000 residents, that meant that 10% of our citizens signed up to serve. Certainly, when our men came home they wanted to start a Post in Naperville, This Post was chartered on August 1st, 1920 with 126 Veterans signing as charter members of Naperville Post 43 in the State of Illinois. We are one of the oldest American Legion Posts in the State and for that matter the Nation.Our first Commander was C. W. Reed and he served for one year and was followed by Win G. Knoch. These men represented two of our very finest Commanders and led the way for the 67 Commanders that followed. Recently the Naperville Community rallied to repair our WWI Doughboy Sculpture.
Our "Doughboy" was made possible due to the leadership of Post 43 and was dedicated in 1926. This sculpture continues to represent what the American Legion stands for. We have been active for 86 years and plan to be around for many more - Thanks to all who serve.
