The American Legion's History
The American Legion was charted 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 quickly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at over 2.4 million in 14,000 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.
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Parkville, MO Post #318's History
The Parkville American Legion Post #318 was chartered in 1940. In 1985, Post #318 adopted a new name: The Leon A. Robbins Memorial Post Number 318. Mr. Robbins was a charter member of the post in 1940. He served as the post's first Commander in 1941 and again in 1945. At Park College, Robbins was a professor and chairman of the mathematics department. He passed in 1961.
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In proposing naming the Post #318 after him, Raymond Paeth, Chaplain, said the majority of the posts in the district were named for veterans. "It is only fitting and proper," the renaming resolution reads, "that the American Legion Post 318 should honor a distinguished veteran, co-founder, charter member, and first post commander, and three-time Parkville mayor." The resolution changing the post name passed on February 14, 1985.
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Over the years, Post #318 has supported its community, assisted veterans, and encouraged patriotism. The post continues to grow and support veterans and our community.