History

The American Legion was created in March 1919 by 100 U.S. officers of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Paris, following World War I, to provide support for returning soldiers, address poor morale, and ensure veterans received proper care and benefits. It was established to help veterans navigate post-war life, foster community among soldiers, and create a centralized organization for veterans' rights.

The Captain James MacFarland American Legion post 79 was created soon after on August 25th 1919. There were originally 16 members that founded the post. The first commander of the post was Army Colonel Edward B. Stone. This original 16 decided to dedicate the post to Captain James MacFarland.

Captain James MacFarland was a dedicated medical physician in the Burlington community and very well known. He married the love of his life Frances Goldy Budd in 1913. Soon after he would answer his nations call to serve as a medical officer in WW1.

Serving with the 29th Division, 113th Infantry regiment Captain MacFarland operated an advanced dressing station in the Boissois Bois, France, From October 12th to 17th. Despite being under constant, unprotected shell fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger in order to treat the wounded.

Captain James MacFarland died on October 24th 1918 from wounds sustained while applying aid to his fellow troops-just weeks before the armistice which ended the war. For his extraordinary heroism in battle he was posthumously awarded the distinguished service cross and the Purple Heart.

From 1919 to 1923 the Captain James MacFarland American Legion Post 79 would hold meetings around town, at each other's houses, at Elks Lodge, and Bucks Hall. However the community and the veterans wanted a building in the city where all veterans could meet. A fundraiser was started to build a building dedicated to the veterans. The community was very involved, children would even donate their nickels to help fundraise the building.

In 1923 the construction of Memorial Hall was finished and dedicated to the twenty local men who lost their lives in WWI. In front of Memorial Hall is a monument of a Doughyboy standing on the Rock of Marne with the twenty names of the Burlington service members that died in WWI. Since 1923 Memorial Hall has been the home of our post.

Memorial hall has been used by veterans and the community alike from when its doors first opened. Through out the years memorial hall has been used as a ball room, and used for viewings of veterans who have passed. It has also been used as a common place where young men would come to gather before being sent off to training for the military.

Captain James MacFarland American Legion Post 79 has remained opened through one hundred and six years. Helping the community and veterans through food drives, clothes drives, veteran support programs, community education about Americanism, and scholarship opportunities for the youth. We’re excited to keep this community growing and thriving here’s to the next 100 years!