Charles Carroll - It is altogether fitting that American Legion Post 143 in Carroll County, Georgia, is named for Charles Carroll, one of our country’s true patriots. He and 55 other men risked life, lands and fortunes by signing our country’s Declaration of Independence. Charles Carroll was a powerful voice for independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. He wrote articles in newspapers of the day under the pseudonym “First Citizen” and was an important figure in the burning of the ship “Peggy Stewart” which sat in Annapolis harbor with tea which could not be unloaded until a tax was paid. This act of rebellion became known as the Annapolis Tea Party. The state of Maryland continues to celebrate “Peggy Stewart” Day as a state holiday to commemorate the part the Annapolis Tea Party played in the American Revolution. Mr. Carroll served in the Continental Congress and was on the Board of War through much of the War of Independence while simultaneously helping to frame a constitution for Maryland. When he died in 1832 at the age of 95 he was the last surviving member of those who signed our Declaration of Independence.

Carroll Post 143 has been blessed with manynotable members. One of the more recent is Past Commander Don Levans who was presented the District Commander's Award as well as the 5th District Commander of the Year Award for his dedication to the American Legion and leadership of Post 143. In accepting the awards, Levans said,

"These two presentations highlight the outstanding involvement of the membership of Post 143 in the programs to which the Post is dedicated; The Four Pillars of the American Legion: Veterans Affairs, National Defense, Children & Youth and Americanism.

Carroll Post 143 meets the third Thursday of each month at 6PM at the Carroll County Veterans Building. Carroll County recognizes that Post 143 is very strongly invested in the county and therefore provides the building at no charge. Carroll Post 143 has an outstanding reputation for community service as the Legionnaires carry out their work which is focused on the 4 pillars of American Legion Work; Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Children & Youth and Americanism. The Post Honor Guard provides honors for veterans, marches in parades and participates in memorial commemorations. The Post Family (Post, Auxiliary and SAL) volunteers many hours in caring for veterans at Trinka Davis Veterans Village which is located in Carrollton. The Public Relations Chair writes a weekly column in the Carrollton Times Georgian Newspaper. Many Post 143 Officers also serve on the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Executive Committee. The CCVMP is doing tremendous work to honor our KIA/MIA comrades and all other veterans. What Post 143 does not have is revenue generating operations such as a bar or Bingo. The post relies on membership dues and community grants for funds with which to provide service. Carroll Post 143 will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. We will continue to make a difference through our programs based upon the four-pillars.