Farmville American Legion “Jack Garland” Post 32 Centennial Celebration

Set for September 19 at the Farmville Train Station

The American Legion was founded in Paris, France in March of 1919 by members of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) still overseas at the end of World War I. On September 4, 1919, The Farmville American Legion was first organized and the Town shut down that day at 4 PM and celebrated the hometown men who had served during the “Great War”. Private John “Jack” Garland was a member of the Farmville Guard Unit and served with the Army AEF in France in World War I. He was killed in action on October 8, 1918 during the Battle of the Meuse Argonne. The Farmville Post was named in his honor and remains so today, 100 years later.

The American Legion is based on four pillars: (1) Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, (2) National Security, (3) Americanism, and (4) Children & Youth.  The Legion conducts ongoing programs encompassing these pillars that benefit America’s veterans, its service members, their families, the youth of America and ordinary citizens.

During this past year, “Jack Garland” Post 32 was the driving force in having a World War I Memorial placed on the Prince Edward Courthouse lawn which was dedicated in 2018 on the 100^th anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI. Post 32 also joined with the Piedmont Area Veterans Council (PAVC) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7059 in celebrating veterans of the Greatest Generation on the 75^th anniversary of D-Day in 2019.

Also in the last 12 months, the Post has provided flag folding ceremonies at funerals of deceased veterans, placed flags on veteran’s graves in Trinity Gardens on Memorial Day, and helped hundreds of veterans apply for benefits in conjunction with the PAVC (the Service Officers are accredited by the American Legion). The Legion and the Legion Auxiliary sponsored six young men to attend Boy’s State, a young lady to Girl’s State, and another young lady to the Legion’s Youth Law Enforcement Program at the Virginia State Police Academy.

We have great ambitions to continue revitalizing our Post and to serving our community and its veterans and hope to establish a Squadron of the Sons of the American Legion in Farmville. Please join us on Thursday, September 19 from 4 to 6 PM at the Historic Farmville Train Station as we celebrate our Centennial in Farmville. There will be activities, displays, and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. A new portrait of Jack Garland will be dedicated and our local delegates to Boy’s State will speak about their experiences.

Proudly Served and Still Serving America,

Dennis Merkle, Sr., Commander, AL Post 32                         Nancy Faxon, President, AL Post 32 Auxiliary