Following
W.W. II a group of returning servicemen and W.W. I vets, currently members of other Legion
Posts, held a social evening at the Magnolia Steak House. It was agreed on that Lester
could and should form a chartered Legion Post at Lester.
On the 25th of February, 1946 the organizational meeting was held in Lester to apply for a
charter. Should the family agree, it was to be named the Edward Bouwman Post in honor of
Edward Bouwman who gave his life in W.W. II.
On the 11th of March, 1946 the first meeting was held. Charter members total for the year
of 1946 was 43 members.
In April of 1946, the members of the Legion decided to ask for permission to organize the
Auxiliary. Permission was granted and the Ninth District president from Sheldon, Iowa
helped with organization. The new Post purchased their flags which cost $143.09. The post
sent Eugene Schnepf as theft first representative to Boys State.
In keeping with the purpose of community survey, the Post agreed to support construction
of a lighted ball diamond. Some of the members assisted in coaching the young boys.
The Post purchased guns and ammunition, along with their flags in preparation for the
first Memorial Day service which was held in 1946. Memorial Day services have been held
every year since. Each year there were refinements in the services, the most recent is the
avenue of flags.
When the charter arrived in November the Reverend Grote was asked to print the names, as
he was an excellent calligrapher.
The project for December of 1946 was to purchase a Christmas tree for the main street and
decorate with lights.
Edward Bouwman Post members are proud of their organization and its accomplishments
through the years. |