Post 18 Lockport, Illinois

Post 18

Lockport, Illinois

Post 18 Lockport, Illinois

About This Post

Post Namesake
On June 7, 1919, an application for the American Legion charter was granted by the State of Illinois. Sixteen World War I servicemen signed and submitted this charter. The original sixteen servicemen are: Kenneth George Lamphier, Logan S. Voight, Robert ... READ MORE

HISTORY

1910

Our namesake John Olson KIA

Sep 26, 1918
On April 29, 1918, John Olson was selected to serve in World War I and left for Camp Dodge, Iowa. He was assigned to the 179th Brigade, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, 2nd Company. John was killed in action on September 26th, 1918. He was laid to rest at the Lockport Cemetery located at Madison and E. 6th Streets, Lockport, IL.
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Our namesake John Olson KIA

American Legion Post 18 Charter was granted by the State of Illinois

Jun 7, 1919
The application for the American Legion Post 18 charter was granted by the State of Illinois.
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Leonard F. Roblee elected as First Post 18 Commander

Jun 7, 1919
Leonard F. Roblee elected as First Post 18 Commander
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Post 18 name change to John Olson Post 18, Lockport, IL

Post 18 name change to John Olson Post 18, Lockport, IL

Jun 9, 1919
This change was received at the State Headquarters on June 9, 1919 and the temporary state charter was issued on June 30, 1919 changing the name to John Olson Post 18, Lockport, IL. John Olson was a local serviceman that was killed in action on September 26, 1918.
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1920

Post 18 Commander Elected

Jun 1, 1920
Ralph B. Harphan elected as Post Commander
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John Olson Post 18 Lockport, IL permanently approved with a National Charter

Dec 18, 1920
The John Olson Post 18 Lockport, Illinois Post was permanently approved with a National Charter on December 18, 1920. Approximately 1½ years after the temporary charter was approved. The members elected Leonard F. Roblee as the First Commander and T.P. Swanson as the First Adjutant of John Olson Post 18, Lockport, Illinois.
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1950

Dedication Grounds to Vets' Memory at Dellwood Park

May 29, 1952
Dellwood Park will be opened as a playground for Lockport residents at dedication ceremonies. The wooded 60 acre site in Lockport will be consecrated to the memory of the veterans of all wars.
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Dedication Grounds to Vets' Memory at Dellwood Park
Lockport Legion Post Elects New Officers

Lockport Legion Post Elects New Officers

Jul 19, 1953
Lockport Legion Post Elects New Officers
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2010

American Legion Post 18 Celebrates 92nd (correction) Year _ News Article

May 30, 2011
John Olson Post 18 Lockport celebrated 92 (correction) years with a rededication ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th, 2011. The 90th year was referring to the permanent approved National Charter after the initial grace period.
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American Legion Post 18 Celebrates 92nd (correction) Year _  News Article
John Olson Receives New Tombstone

John Olson Receives New Tombstone

Jun 9, 2011
Historian Shawn McElwee found the final resting place of John Olson at the Lockport Cemetery. The tombstone was in bad shape and unreadable. A new tombstone was shipped through the work of McElwee and the National Veterans Association. Shawn McElwee, Jerry McElwee, and George Konow (local Lockport Resident) replaced the old tombstone with the new tombstone. Then, through the approval of National Veterans Association, the old tombstone was installed in the John Olson Post 18..
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American Legion Riders Post 18 Founded

Jan 10, 2012
The American Legion Riders Post 18 was founded on January 10, 2012
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American Legion Riders Post 18 Founded
Vietnam Moving Wall

Vietnam Moving Wall

Aug 20, 2015
The Vietnam Moving Wall visits the Post from 8/20/15 - 8/23/15.
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Victor J Martinka, Jr. Receives GOLD BRIGADE Membership Award 2016

Aug 1, 2016
Vic Martinka, Jr from Lockport Post 18 receives the Gold Brigade Membership Award 2016. This National Award reads: In recognition and appreciation of outstanding achievement in recruiting fifty or more new members for the American Legion. Through such extraordinary achievement, this esteemed Legionnaire has singularly contributed to the growth and sustenance of the American Legion; keeping ever strong its invaluable contribution to America's veterans, their families, and communities throughout this great country. In witness whereof,..
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Victor J Martinka, Jr. Receives GOLD BRIGADE Membership Award 2016
Lockport American Legion Helps out Local Veteran

Lockport American Legion Helps out Local Veteran

Aug 22, 2016
This is a great story to understand where the hard work of Poppy fundraising helps both National and Local Veterans in need. Story by Max Lapthrone at the Lockport Legend newspaper about a local veteran in need. Excerpt of article captures of the essence of the American Legion: "Whether it is someone like Rowell (veteran in need) who could just use something to improve their life a little bit, or someone who needs someone to..
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