American Legion - Post 25

A Brief History

There is probably no place in the country more reminiscent of the World War or more directly connected with the vast and varied activities of our Army and Navy in fighting its battles during that late conflict than the City of Newport News. So, when the Armistice was signed and demobilization completed, it was natural that in such a fertile field there should start to grow a movement to keep alive the spirit of comradeship among the ex-service men and women and the high ideals for which they had fought. Many who had been stationed in camps and posts in this vicinity and some who disembarked and were demobilized here lingered, and with our own returned "native sons and daughters" helped to form the nucleus of Braxton-Perkins Post No.25, American Legion.

It was in August, 1919, that Fred H. Skinner, a popular young lawyer who served as captain of the 119th Infantry, enlisted the assistance of several ex-service men and, securing the necessary signatures, applied for a charter, which was granted August 25th. The first and organization meeting was held in the Corporation Court room in the City Hall September 19th, and temporary officers elected to serve until January 1, 1920. This first group of officers included Messrs. Stanley Wilson, chairman; C. C. Moore, vice-chairman; Lewis T. Jester, secretary, and R. B. Thompson, treasurer.

Shortly afterwards arrangements were made with the War Camp Community Service to use their building for meeting purposes and a small room as an office for executive and committee meetings. Later this building, a very commodious one and excellently suited for the purpose, was purchased by the Post from the War Camp Community Service, after the latter organization had ceased to function here.

At the beginning of the year 1920, Braxton-Perkins Post started its first year of real activity and has steadily grown in prestige and influence until it has come to occupy a very high position among the city's civic organizations, and through its social gatherings and quasi-civic enterprises has made itself a distinct influence in the community.

Braxton-Perkins Post was named in honor of two local boys who died "Over There" doing their "bit." Elliott Muse Braxton won his commission as second lieutenant and was killed in action in the Meuse-Argonne fighting. Lieutenant Pryor Richard Perkins was a member of the Air Service, and met death when his plane fell on the Argonne front.

The American Legion, Braxton-Perkins Post 25 ~ A Synoptic History

by: a Post 25 Member

On 11 November 1919, American Doughboys began to flow out of the trenches of war-torn Europe to face economic problems at home.

Concerned, General John J. Pershing organized a committee to seek solutions. To achieve the solutions, Lt. Col. Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. proposed a veterans organization. On 17 March 1919, the committee approved and St. Patrick's Day is now shared with the birthday of the American Legion.

In Newport News, Virginia, 15 veterans obtained a charter and dedicated Post 25 to the memory of Lt. Eliot Braxton and Lt. Richard Perkins, two local boys who died on the battlefield in France.

Post 25 grew and prospered during the flamboyant 1920's and continued through the lean 1930's while other organizations faltered or failed.

In 1920, General John J. Pershing visited Newport News and Post 25.

Post 25 adheres strictly to the National American Legion Motto: "No organization can survive if its only goal is to serve itself." Leaders of Post 25 have extended the motto with the words, "see first to the needs of our country and its people." And they have done so.

Post 25:

• Sought out and provided assistance to needy veterans and their families.
• Gave their time and effort where needed during the Great Depression.
• Has never failed to pay tribute to those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

Post 25 sponsors community service programs developed by the National Conventions of the American Legion, including the youth programs, Boys State, baseball, Boy Scout support, high school oratorical contests, children and youth, and scholarships.

That Newport News, Virginia became the site of one of the earliest posts of the American Legion was not unexpected. The city was one of the sites of debarkation and embarkation in both World Wars.

The site was marked by a tall "Victory Arch". When the Arch, of wood, began to deteriorate, Post 25 led an extended community effort and replaced the Victory Arch with one of limestone and granite.

In 1923, Legionnaire George Collings visited France to collect artifacts of the war. He exhibited them in the basement of the post home to serve as visual aids to history lessons of war. Today, that tiny museum has become the vast Virginia War Museum.

American Legion Post 25 in Newport News, Virginia, is well and will forever remain loyal to the Legion Preamble-"For God and Country".