American Legion - June Van Meter Post 190
Short History of June Van Meter Post
The souviner program of the Armistice week celebration which the June Van Meter post has issued contains the following short history of the post.
June Van Meter post, No. 190 is "an organization consisting of men who may always remember that each one had a part in making the world a safe place in which to live."
On Aug. 29, 1919, Secretary McClelland of the Clinton War Camp Community service issued a call to all ex-service men to meet at the Revere Hotel. Twenty-nine men attended the meeting and organized a temporary Legion Post. On Oct. 3, 1919 the permanent Legion Post was formed. The post was named in honor of June Van Meter who was the first Clinton man killed in action in the World War.
The officers then elected were: Commander W. E. Purcell; Adjutant, G. O. Anderson; Finance Officer, P. W. Harvey; Historian, Charles Ralff; Chaplain J. H. O'Donnel.
June Van Meter post has reason to be proud of its achievements during its two years of existence. It has assisted many "buddies" who needed medical treatment, a meal or a night's lodging. It has visited the exsoldiers in hospitals, and given them every possible care and comfort. Families of ex-service men have received financial assistance from the post.
Every ex-service man who died during the life of the post and every hero whose body has been returned from France has had a full military funeral under the post auspices. Speakers from the post are furnished for Memorial Day. The Legion also takes part in Americanization ceremonies at the Court house in which foreign born are made citizens of the United States.
The history of June Van Meter post is and always will be a history of service for home and for country.
SOURCE: The Clinton Advertiser, 08 Nov 1921