Legacy and Vision, The American Legion Centennial Celebration
Our congratulations to Bruce Dart, Commander of American Legion Post 478, for completing his book commemorating the centennial of the American Legion, and in time for Veterans’ Day. Bruce has focused his attention on the individuals listed on the World War One Memorial on the side of the Allen Block in center Mansfield, presently in use as Night and Day Cafe. Bruce started planning this four years ago, and it has come together on schedule.
Bruce has particularly concentrated on the fifteen charter members of Post 478, which was established in December 1919. Using the Legion values of Service to Community, Bruce has illustrated the many ways these former soldiers contributed to the well-being and development of their communities over their lifetimes.
The History Center is pleased to have contributed to this project by providing research, photos, and biographical detail from our historical archives and genealogical database. In the last few years, many states have added their archival records to the internet, enabling us to make accelerated progress in our searches. We have ben able to track down individuals listed on the memorial in greater depth than we ever could before. It all adds to the greater story of Mansfield and its people. Particular thanks to our volunteer, Pat Newell Smith, who pursued and found so many of our stories.
Join Bruce and Joyce at the Museum of Us on Nov. 9 noon to 3, to see the book and talk about the people on the wall who contributed so much to our community.
The book will be available for $10 at the History Center's two buildings and at the Chamber of Commerce office.