History of Kaukauna Post 41 of the American Legion Department of Wisconsin
November 6th in the year of Our Lord 1919 is what may aptly be termed the principal historical event of the local American Legion Post, for that date marked the birth of the George A. Boddie Post 41 of the American Legion, Department of Wisconsin.
The Charter Members were:
A.F. Glenzer, J.B. Busse, Elliot E. Zekind, James J. Hiskon, Emil Grossel, Edmond G. Haas, F.J. Kromer, C.J. Sadlier, Theodore Malbury, Gust A. Lindauer, M.J. Verfurth, Walter O. Look, Sylvester J. Berena, Urban George Belles, and Edward L. Kittell
This body of men in organizing the local post, promised to keep the regulations of the organization which are included in the preamble, which is as follows: "For God and country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes; To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent americanism; To preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; To make right the master of might; To promote peace and good will on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. (Note: The preamble is read at the opening of every Legion meeting to bring to mind the objects of the organization).
During this time additional members were secured bringing the number up to 26. The other members who joined immediately after the charter was issued were as follows: John E. Kircher, Ray Schotzka, Gus Jacobson, Archie Crevierl, Harry Treptow, E.C. Dudley, Lyle Webster, Erwin Olm, George Gongowere, J.P. Funk, William Hass.
The first meeting of the George A. Boddie Post 41 of the American Legion Department of Wisconsin was held on November 6, 1919 in the Fox Club rooms. With the able assistance of Major Graef and L. Hugo Keller, of Oney Johnston Post. As Chairman and secretary respectively. Election of officers was held and on the first ballot the above named officers were elected to take charge of the meeting. On the second ballot the following officers were elected. E.C. Dudley, Post Commander, Elliot E. Zekind, Adjutant, William Hass, Finance Officer, John E, Kirchner, Historian, Ray Schatzka, Chaplain. The dues were also set at this time of 25cts to National Hdqr, 25cts to State Hdqr and $1.50 to the Local.
On January 8, 1920 George A. Boddie Post No. 41 changed its name to Kaukauna Post No. 41, this being done because of a dispute. And the members not being able to determine who was the first Kaukauna man to give his life in his country's service during the great war. The decision to name the organization Kaukauna post was made becuase in this manner the members thought that they could fittling honor to all the local boys who died for the great cause. (With malice toward none and justice to all.)
The Supplemental Charter for Incorporated American Legion Posts issued to Kaukauna Post 41, Department of Wisconsin was signed and sealed by the National Commander on April 20, 1940 and by the Department of Wisconsin Commander on April 25, 1940.
Affiliated Organizations
A Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Post 41 was formed on April 24, 1922. 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.
Patriotic Days
MEMORIAL DAY has always been an outstanding occasion in this community. In addition to memorial events throughout the Kaukauna 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 ceremonies are held at all graves in the community.
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. An important tradition was established when the Post along with the local VFW 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.