On April 14, 1947, Raymond Stafford Post 513 was formed and chartered by the American Legion National Headquarters at Indianapolis, Indiana and countersigned by the American Legion Department of Louisiana. The post was formed by concerned black veteran returnees form World Wars I and II. Because of segregation, they could not join the existing American Legion Post in Thibodaux. There were twenty-six charter members consisting of ten officers and sixteen members. The post, which has a "500" number, was one of many black posts being chartered in Louisiana. The "500" number is significant because it was used to distinguish the all black posts from the other posts in the state.
Post 513 did not have a post home, so they held their meetings and other functions at the, now defunct, C. M. Washington School which was located on Narrow and Ninth Streets in Thibodaux. After several years, the members finally acquired some property and built their first post home on Narrow Street in the early 1950's. This present site was once a city landfill. Ironically, it is also believed to be the dumping ground for numerous blacks killed during the Thibodaux Massacre of 1887 which was the aftermath of a sugar cane workers strike. The present hall was built in the early 1970's by a dedicated band of Legionnaires and still serves as the post home. The post was named after Raymond Stafford, a Lafourche Parish native and the first black soldier from Lafourche Parish to die in military action during WWII. There have been twenty-three different commanders since Rev. Louis Streams Jr. first took command in 1947. The first female commander, Deborah Winston, was installed in 2012.
In Louisiana, the "500" number does not signify race anymore. The Department offered all posts the opportunity to change their numbers to get rid of this stigma, however, the posts would have to get a new charter and lose its continuous years of history. All of the American Legion Posts across the state and nation are now open to qualified veterans of all races, color or creed who are not in opposition to the United States government. Post 513 retains its number as a grim reminder of how things were in the past. A chapter in this great nation is gradually being closed and the wounds of prejudice and hate are being replaced by comradeship and compassion for our fellow man.
We are proud of the 26 brave men who founded our post. Post 513 celebrates the American Legion birthday in April of each year. That day is dedicated to them and to all who followed in their footsteps.
The members of the post are very proud that the street that abuts the post property was renamed after a dedicated post member and former Thibodaux, La. city councilman, Gerald T. Peltier. During a time when the post was experiencing low activity, Henderson Kennedy Jr, brought new interest in the post and served as its Commander for several years over two different periods. Additionally, post member Gerald Theriot, who has continually served as Louisiana Department Chaplain since 1997 was appointed as the National Chaplain of the American Legion for the year 2011-2012.
