The Historical Museum had the pleasure of receiving an early flag from the Dublin American Legion Post 219 last year.
The Legion had a storied history of being active in Dublin. The Post was largely created by Dr. O. O. Gain, a veteran of World War I. After the great war, the post was established in 1919 and named after Harry Powell. Powell was born near Comyn and was the first from Dublin to die during WWI. He died at the base hospital in Camp Bowie, Fort Worth of acute pneumonia on April 19, 1918 while training for WWI. (Dublin Citizen, Paul Gaudette, 6-30-2016)
Post 219 continued to work helping veterans after the war with jobs and training, with housing and medical assistance. As a powerful group they looked after widows, orphans and elderly parents of veterans. They assisted with military funerals, provided honor guards and presented American flags ”on behalf of a grateful nation.”“They supported youth sports and education programs. Post 219 led the way teaching love of country and patriotism. The American Legion raised money for the gates and fence at the football field in town and did much of the labor, all as a memorial for those who never returned from war. It was named Memorial Stadium for that reason. (Letter from Mary Yantis stating the accomplishments of Post 219) The Dublin American Legion helped veterans and their families receive health care at VA hospitals.
In 2002 members of the WWII generation helped to create the Veterans Room at the Historical Museum, and in 2007 worked to create the Veterans’ Monument in Shamrock Park. The granite stone pillars list those of every generation who have served their country.
The American Legion was renamed to the Powell-Davidson Post 219 after Fisher Davidson died in the Philippines during WWII in the Bataan Death March in 1942. (Letter from Mary Yantis about our local post) The flag from American Legion Post 219 is a powerful reminder of how generations before us have worked hard to keep America safe and served the needs of our community.
As active members became older, the Post was closed last year due to the failing health of many who supported the organization. The veterans of Dublin now attend the American Legion in Stephenville. The years of work done by American Legion Post 219 can still be seen in the community of Dublin.