Post 52 Blooming Prairie, Minnesota
Post 52
Blooming Prairie, Minnesota
About This Post
Post Namesake
Otto T Lund
What Makes this Post Unique
WHEN OTTO T LUND WAS BORN ON AUGUST 20, 1899, IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, HIS FATHER CHRISTOPHER, WAS 32 AND HIS MOTHER, BERTHA, WAS 28. HE HAD SEVEN BROTHERS AND FIVE SISTERS.
A PRIVATE IN THE 126TH INFANTRY REGIMENT OF THE 32ND DIVISION, HIS UNIT HAD BEEN PUSHING BACK THE GERMAN LINE FOR THREE STRAIGHT DAYS. OTTO LUND DIED IN ACTION IN FRANCE ON AUGUST 2, 1918.
OTTO IS BURIED AMONG OTHER AMERICAN HEROES AT THE OISE-AISNE AMERICAN CEMETERY NEAR FERE-EN-TARDENOIS, FRANCE.
OTTO THOMPSON LUND WAS JUST 18 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH. THE AMERICAN LEGION POST #52 IN BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA IS NAMED IN HIS HONOR.
HISTORY
1910
A Happy Mother’s Day from “Somewhere in France”
May 13, 1918
In the late spring of 1918, Bertha Lund of Blooming Prairie received belated Mother’s Day greetings from her son. Otto Lund, the namesake of American Legion Post 52, had a good excuse for the late letter: he was a soldier serving on the Western Front..
Otto Lund’s Letter Home: “I am Just a Soldier Fighting in the Trenches All the Time.”
Jul 2, 1918
Otto Lund, namesake of American Legion Post 52, was born in Denmark but spent most of his life in Blooming Prairie. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the National Guard. America had just entered World War I and Otto would soon be returning..
Otto Lund “Gives His All for His County”
Aug 2, 1918
When he inspected Otto Lund’s division in early July 1918, General Pershing suggested that it was headed “to a more active front.” Sure enough, the army sent the 32nd Division to help check a German offensive in northeastern France.
Post 52’s Charter
Jul 21, 1919
Full Story Just over a century ago on July 21, 1919, Blooming Prairie became the first American Legion Post in Steele County to receive a charter from the national organization. But is it the county’s oldest post?
Post 52’s First Meeting 101 Years Ago
Oct 4, 1919
Full Story Blooming Prairie’s Post 52 received a Charter on July 21, 1919. But it was not until autumn that the post organized and elected a commander.
1930
Sons of the American Legion (SAL)
Sep 15, 1932
Full Story The Sons of the American Legion dates back to the Great Depression when Legionnaires created an organization for their sons to join. This week, the organization celebrates its 88th anniversary.
2010
American Legion Conventions in Minneapolis
Aug 24, 2018
Full Story Every year, the American Legion holds a national convention. The 2018 convention was special for two reasons: It was the hundredth convention and it took place in Minneapolis, which hosted the first gathering 101 years ago.
A dinner and program celebrating 100 years
Mar 15, 2019
On Friday, March 15, 2019 the Blooming Prairie American Legion Post #52 will be celibrating it's Centennial year with a Dinner and program at the Servicemen's Club in Blooming Prairie. Social hour from 5 to 6m P.M. dinner and program to follow, all are welcome.
