Veterans Day Special Section
History. Today. And Tomorrow. A Little History The local American Legion post in Crystal Lake has a storied history, from its 23-year-old eponym to its continued service to the community today. Named for Lt. William Chandler Peterson, a Crystal Lake native who was killed in action during the battle of Chateau Thierry, France, on June 6, 1918 – just before the end of WWI – William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 was founded by veterans of WWI and chartered in the exact same month and year the national organization was chartered by Congress: September 1919. That means for the last 105 years, Post 171 has focused on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities. And it is part of the country’s largest veterans service organization today: the American Legion as a whole has nearly 2 million members spread across more than 13,000 posts worldwide. In recent years, Post 171 has recommitted itself to becoming a viable resource to veterans, specifically female veterans. Post-Covid activities have steadily increased, and Legionnaires are as dedicated as ever to reaching veterans, servicemembers and communities. Unique to Post 171 is an expanded emphasis on women veterans and their need for support. Learn more about the special women veteran publications and new chapter of SheForce generated in the area on page 4 of this publication. Business meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at The Community Foundation for McHenry County, 33 E. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, Ill. A more informal gathering, “Conversation, Coffee, Camaraderie,” takes place at 8 a.m. each Friday morning at The Other Side, 135 Beardsley Street, Crystal Lake — all are welcome!
Published by William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 Written by Sue Dobbe-Leahy & Stephanie N. Grimoldby
www.LegionCrystalLake171.org