History of Captain Edgar Dale Post
of the American Legion
In June 1919, a handful of former Veterans of World War One met in the Seigel Building in the first block on West First Avenue. Existing at the time in El Dorado was an informal community consisting of former World War I Veterans. The decision to organize an American Legion Post resulted from the conclusion of these Veterans that the American Legion was the representative Veterans' organization in this country. That conclusion has been proven true as today the American Legion is the largest wartime Veterans' organization with nearly 15,000 local Posts throughout America and over 3 million members who care about America, Veterans, their families and our nation's youth.
At the first meeting Mr. Charles L Suffield was elected Commander and Mr. Will R Feder, Adjutant . Decision was made by the attending Veterans to file an application for an American Legion Post.
At next meeting, a Certificate of Application for a Charter was presented. It was also decided at this meeting to organize a Post as soon as required number of servicemen of El Dorado had indicated their desire to join the Post. On March 21st 1922 a Charter was signed by the National Commander, National Adjutant, Department Commander, Department Adjutant granting Capt Edgar Dale Post 81 it's Charter.
A committee was formed to name the Post and the Post was named "Capt Edgar Dale” In honor of Capt Edgar Dale of Coffeville who was in command of Company F, El Dorado's own unit in the World War. Captain Dale was klled in action overseas. All of El Dorado’s servicemen who died in the service of their country, as a mark of respect, were honored when the Post was chartered.
Permanent organization was affected at the next meeting which time permanent officers were elected. The first officers of American Legion Post were: Commander: Mr Charles L Suffield, Adjutant: Mr. Will R Feder.
Affiliated Organizations
A Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Post 81 was formed on _______. The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Auxiliary. Auxiliary members are always anxious and willing to co-operate in every Legion activity.
A Sons of the Legion for American Legion Post 81 was formed on October 2nd 1989. The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Sons of Legion unit, which gained statewide recognition because of it's programs of service.
Patriotic Days
MEMORIAL DAY has always been an outstanding occasion in this community. In addition to memorial events throughout the El Dorado community, the goal of every Veteran to it's last man is to keep MEMORIAL DAY sacred to the memory of our war dead of all of the wars of the country; and all graves are decorated on this National Holiday.
ARMISTICE DAY, now called VETERANS' DAY, originally marked the end of fighting in World War I. It is an important holiday on the calendar of Legionnaires everywhere and in the hearts of all Veterans. Annually the Celebration of Freedom Committee sponsors the Veterans Day Parade. Our American Legion Riders lead off the Parade with their Flagged up motocycles. An important tradition was established when the Post led in the memorial exercises at 11 o'clock on the morning of November 11, marking the exact hour of the cessation of hostility on the war fronts.
Registration Of Graves
Since it's inception American Legion Post 81 has been a leader in this community in the area of graves registration; which has been incorporated by all the American Legion Posts in Butler County. Grave Registration enables all interested parties to locate the site of the grave of each Veteran. Each year, active members place a flag on each Veteran's grave.
Scholarships and Community Projects
American Legion Post 81 sponsors scholarships for the further education of our children. We also sponsor and financially assist many worthy community projects and programs initiated by the National American Legion.
Join Us and Keep this History Alive