Legion History

The War to End All Wars. That’s what they said it was. And it was over, now. But not for the 2.6 million American soldiers still overseas. They were worn out, wounded, tired of the military, tired of the war, tired of missing home. But it would be months before most of them got home, months spent in rest camps, and as time dragged on, morale continued to sink. Something had to be done. The Legion Family supports veterans, their families, their children, and many other charities. Individually, each group has certain “pet” projects, but everyone comes together in their desire to continue to serve our country.

In March of 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened in Paris for the first American Legion Caucus; where the idea of what the Legion would be fleshed out. In May, there was a second Caucus held in St. Louis, Missouri, during which the name “The American Legion” was decided upon. On June 9th, the newly formed National Committee agreed upon the emblem, and on September 16th, the US Congress chartered the newly formed group.

Throughout the 1920’s and beyond, the American Legion stood at the forefront of the fight for veteran’s rights; resulting in the creation of the U.S. Veteran’s Bureau (ancestor of the Veterans Administration) and Congress’ adoption of the Legion’s Flag Code, which highlights the respectful ways of handling our nation’s flag.

Frank Gallino Post 130

American Legion Post 130 was granted its charter in December of 1919, shortly after the birth of the American Legion itself. Post members worked to support each other and the community in various ways, culminating in the building of Grass Valley’s Veterans Memorial Building in 1931-1932. The building had a grand opening “Open House” as a community center on April 28th of 1932, with approximately 2,000 attendees. In July of 1946, after the Second World War, Post members dug out a basement to the building by hand, using pickaxes, shovels, and wheelbarrows.

Two years after the underground construction began, a “Reopen House” was held to celebrate the creation of a restaurant grade kitchen, a bar/ lounge called The Bunker, a four lane bowling alley, and an underground shooting range, which was later sealed off.

We Never Quit!

Nowadays, we continue our original mission to be a gathering point for our community and our veterans. We host monthly dinners, karaoke nights, and bowling league nights. Our Legion Family has expanded, and with that expansion, our abilities to help veterans have expanded. Come visit us during any of our events, we’re always happy to see new faces!