Bert S. Hyland
6/14/1873-11/9/51
First Commander of the newly organized Rutland Post #31. His impressive history of involvement to our “Community, State and Nation”, was evident in the following time line.
45 years of military service:
Spanish-American war entering in 1893 to discharge after WWI in 1919. He was the Commander of Company A. 172nd Regiment of the Vermont National Guard Infantry entering 4/3/1917-2/28/19. Overseas (9/29/1918-4/3/1919). rank of LT. Colonel 1919.
1913 Vermont National Guard Rifle Team Captain. They competed in the International Competitions.
1919 Charter member and First Commander of Rutland Post #31.
1920 Chief of Police per the Rutland Directory
1921 Department Of Vermont American Legion Commander
1924-1933 Federal Prohibition Director for Vermont
1925 Boy Scouts take trip to Montpelier for Government Day with Post Chairman Hyland and Jack Crowley.
1925 Hyland supports new high school in Rutland with new concept of “Gym”. (Physical education classes) and a gymnasium for students.
1930 Chairman of Rutland Post #31’s new awards for leadership and scholastics called “Best Boy or Best Girl” Award.
1930-31 American Legion National Vice Commander (Convention in Boston)
1931 Vermont Commission to find Vermont Veterans Hospital location
1931 Vice President of Military Order of Foreign Wars
1932 Chairman of the “Depression Drive” to raise funds and job commitment from area businesses and volunteers to help their neighbors.
1936 American Legion National Executive Committeeman
1937-39 Secretary for Senator Ernest W. Gibson of Rutland, Vt (Washington,DC)
1941-48 Director and President of Bennington “Soldiers Home”.
1944 Vermont Liquor Board
1944 Active with Rutland area Infantile Paralysis Drive
Died 11/9/1951 age 78 year old, buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
Employment: Bert S. Hyland Insurance Agency and co owner of L&B precast Inc., concrete.
Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Senior Vice Commander of the Spanish American War Veteran, Post #31 Color Guard and military honors committee.
Various Department of Vermont American Legion Committees: 1937 Conciliation Committee, Dept finance Committee and Distinguished Guest Committee.
He lived at 54 East Center Street, Rutland Vt and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
