Post History
The decision to organize an American Legion Post in Tehachapi resulted from Veterans who believed 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.
On March 12, 1920, a Certificate of Application for a Charter was presented, forming "American Legion Post 221”. All of Tehachapi’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 and permanent officers were elected. The first officers of American Legion Post 221 were: Commander: Thomas D. Downs and Adjutant: J.M. Lovejoy.
Affiliated Organizations
A Women's Auxiliary of American Legion Tehachapi Post 221 was formed on June 27, 1932. The first President of American Legion Auxiliary, Tehachapi Unit 221, was Carrie Downs.
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. (Click the "Auxiliary" tab on the menu to visit their page).
Patriotic Days
MEMORIAL DAY has always been an outstanding occasion in this community. In addition to memorial events throughout the Tehachapi 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.
Scholarships and Community Projects
American LegionPost 221 sponsors various scholarships for the further education of our youth. We also sponsor and financially assist many worthy community projects and programs initiated by the National American Legion.
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