Post History
The decision to organize an American Legion Post resulted from the conclusion of eight Bartow County Veterans that the American Legion was the representative Veterans' organization in this country. That conclusion has been proven true as today the American Legion is the largest wartime Veterans' organization with nearly 15,000 local Posts throughout America and over 2 million members who care about America, Veterans, their families and our nation's youth.
A committee was formed to name the Post and the Post was named "American Legion Carl Boyd Post 42”. All of Post 42’s servicemen who died in the service of their country, as a mark of respect, were honored when the Post was chartered October 9th 1919.
In 1946 the Post moved to its present day home located at 1 Roosevelt St. The property was the sight of a former Civilian Conservation Corps Workers Camp (CCCWC) and was originally constructed in the late 1920's to early 1930's. The property consisting of several buildings and 40 acres was purchased for use as a American Legion Post. Today over 17 acres is still owned after donating over 5 acres for the construction of US 41/JFH Parkway.
Affiliated Organizations
A Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Post 42 was formed in 1939. The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Auxiliary. Auxiliary members are always anxious and willing to co-operate in every Legion activity.
A Sons of the Legion for American Legion Post 42 was formed on 2004. The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Sons of Legion unit, which gained statewide recognition because of it's programs of service.
A chapter of the American Legion Riders (ALR) has been estabilished at the post. Any member is welcome to join this chapter.
Patriotic Days
MEMORIAL DAY has always been an outstanding occasion in this community. In addition to memorial events throughout the Bartow community, the goal of every Veteran to it's last man is to keep MEMORIAL DAY sacred to the memory of our war dead of all of the wars of the country; and all graves are decorated on this National Holiday.
Flag Day each June 14 the Post holds a flag disposal ceremony where soiled, worn, and unserivceable flag are properly disposed of. The Public is invited to attend this ceremony and bring Flags for proper disposal throughout the year.
ARMISTICE DAY, now called VETERANS' DAY, originally marked the end of fighting in World War I. It is an important holiday on the calendar of Legionnaires everywhere and in the hearts of all Veterans. It has been our honor to hold the annual ceremony at the post each November. An important tradition was established when the Post led in the memorial exercises at 11 o'clock on the morning of November 11, marking the exact hour of the cessation of hostility on the war fronts.
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Scholarships and Community Projects
American LegionPost --- sponsors various scholarships for the further education of our children. We also sponsor and financially assist many worthy community projects and programs initiated by the National American Legion.
Join Us and Keep this History Alive