History of American Legion Post 176
Presentation to the Annandale History Club
April 5, 2010
Ed Kaz

CHARTER MEMBERS  -  AUXILIARY  -  ADVOCATE ARTICLES

Ed Kaz joined American Legion Post 176 in 1972.  He was a charter member of the Lions in 1963 and a charter member of Kiwanis in 1990, but couldn't continue because of conflicts with store hours.  He is a 36-year member of the Annandale Conservation Club.  He has owned Kaz Hardware in Annandale since 1958.  The 1919 American Legion Post 176 Charter is now displayed at Kaz Hardware store. 

Ed Kaz served in the U.S. Army in England during the Korean War.  He is a 38-year member of American Legion Post 176 in Annandale.  At present, David Connelly is the Commander, Joe Connelly is the Vice Commander and Ed Kaz is the Treasurer of Post 176.  There are 23 members in the Annandale Legion. 

The American Legion was proposed in February 1919 by Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt and planned by a group of 20 officers who served in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in France.  The Annandale American Legion Post 176 Charter was granted in September 1919.  The American Legion was founded on four pillars:  a strong national security, taking care of veterans, mentoring youth, and promoting patriotism and honor.  Until 1942 membership in the legion was limited to American soldiers, sailors, marines, and nurses who had served on active duty during World War I.  In 1942, the legion amended its charter to allow World War II veterans to join.  Korean War veterans became eligible in 1950 and Vietnam War veterans in 1966.  World War I and II veterans were very active.  Some Viet Nam War vets didn't feel welcome in the legion.  Today the Annandale Legion Post has trouble getting new members; today's veterans are not joiners.  It is hoped that returning Gulf War veterans will join the legion and become active.

The American Legion Auxiliary was also organized in 1919, and the Annandale Auxiliary followed in 1920.  One of several auxiliary-sponsored projects is the annual Girls State.  The Annandale Legion Auxiliary has given up their charter.

American Legion Post 176 met at the Odd Fellows Hall and then the VFW Hall until it was sold.  The Annandale Veterans of Foreign Wars joined with the Maple Lake Legion about ten years ago and sold their building (now Tootsie's Bar & Grill).

The American Legion Honor Guard participates at funerals and Memorial Day programs, etc.  Any veteran can participate in the honor guard.

Annandale Post 176 supports Legion baseball.  They now support the program through the Clearwater Legion.  The American Legion Baseball summer baseball program was organized in 1925.  There are many notable pro baseball players and coaches who were former American Legion players.

Notes by Annandale History Club Secretary