Lts. Armstrong/Gladding Post 69

Our original temporary charter was issued to Herman Cooper Post #40 on February 29th, 1928. this Post was set up by members of the black community to serve their constituents. However,that temporary Charter was revoked because of the lack of membership involvement and lack of activity on April 8th, 1930. There were no American Legion Post serving the needs of Black Veterans and their families for the next fourteen (14) years in Rhode Island. On November 22, 1944 a temporary charter was issued to Herman Cooper Post #69. At that time the Post was composed of Black Veterans only. Five (5) years later at a monthly meeting on November 22, 1949, a vote was taken and an application was issued for a permanent charter and a name change. The Department of R.I. approved the charter and the Post name was changed to Lts. Armstrong/Gladding Post#69 in honor of Lt. William Armstrong and Lt. Walter Gladding both highly decorated Tuskekee Airman hero Veterans of WWII. Post #69 was often referred to as a Black Veterans' Post. The use of the term "Black" veterans was eliminated at a Constitution and by-laws meeting in 1988. Today Lts. Amstrong/Gladding Post#69 serves proudly, a very diverse population and continues to provide services and programs to all veterans in the Providence in conjunction with the National and State Departments of the American Legion.