Post History
In early 1919, five former servicemen met in the Fort Myers high school auditorium. Existing at that time in Lee County was an informal community consisting of World War I Veterans. The decision to organize into American Legion Post resulted from the decision of these Veterans that the American Legion was the representative Veterans' organization in this country. That decision has been proven true as today the American Legion is the largest 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. Edward R. Page was elected temporary Chairman and Mr. Clyde H. Pennington temporary Secretary. A decision was made by the attending Veterans to file an application for an American Legion Post designation.
At the 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 one hundred servicemen of Fort Myers had indicated their desire to join the Post.
A naming committee was formed. The name "Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38” was agreed upon as a mark of respect for all the Rabe O. Wilkison’s servicemen who gave their lives in service of their country.
Pvt. Rabe O. Wilkison
At the next meeting a permanent American Legion Organization was established, and officers were elected. The first officers of American Legion Post 38 were: Commander: Captain Shannon Paige, Adjutant: Mr. _______, and Finance Officer: Mr. __________, etc.
Affiliated Organizations
Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Post 38 (now called Auxiliary) was formed on September 5, 1922. The Auxiliary supports the four pillars of the American Legion: "Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation", "National Security", "Americanism", "Children & Youth". Auxiliary members support all Legion activities. The Legion is very proud of its Auxiliary.
Sons of the Legion for American Legion Post 38 was formed on February 3, 1958. The Legion has every reason to be proud of its Sons of Legion unit, which gained statewide recognition because of its programs of service.
Registration Of Graves
Since its inception American Legion Post 38 has been a leader in this community in the area of graves registration, which has been incorporated by all the American Legion Posts in Lee County. Grave Registration enables all interested parties to locate the site of the grave of each Veteran. American Legion Post 38 acquired a burial lot in several cemeteries, and this has been marked by the erection of a massive monument marking it as the burial lot for servicemen without kin. Each year, active members place a flag on each Veteran's grave.
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