Freeman Eugene Plue
11/12/1895-6/27/1986
Born in Benson, VT lived a long 90 year life.
World War I veteran, 10/3/1917-5/7/1919 US Army Sgt Battery A 302d Field Artillery. Overseas 7/17-5/19.
1923-1924 Rutland Post #31 Commander
1924 WWI veterans adjusted compensation measure, would be provided as a bonus, to WWI veterans. Congress sent the measure to President Calvin Coolidge and he vetoed the bill. However, with the influence of the American Legion, the Senate over rode the vetoe and WWI veterans received a small bonus. The Rutland Herald posted the telegram, written by Post Commander Plue to Senator Gibson from Brattleboro, thanking him for standing behind the veterans of the State of Vermont and keeping his word. (This coming from the home state of President Coolidge was a strong telegram).
Commander Freeman Plue and his adjutant Earl T. Tower placed ads in the Rutland Herald notifying all veterans from the area that the American Legion, located on Oak Street, would be open, the forms for applying for the bonuses would be available to them and that the commander and adjutant would assist all veterans in filling out and filing bonus applications. This was an important beginning of Post Service Officer and Community advocacy.
1924 Rutland Post #31 held a three day Carnival for the community in observance of The American Legion’s 5th anniversary. Loyalty night, Service night for veterans would provide fun and service connection with the Legion.
Owner of the Canney- Plue Company which sold plumbing and heating supplies.
He was the President and a very active member of the Rutland Baptist Church Board of Trustees. He was a Mason and a Shriner.
He died while a resident of the Bennington Soldiers Home. He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
