Post 273's History

Our Post is named after the first Poquoson residents to make the ultimate sacrifice in WWI (pause) Robert R. Holloway and in WWII Harold M. Moore (pause). Post 273 was formed in Messick, VA following World War II and represented Poquoson and all of York County, as we continue to do today.

History of the American Legion

The American Legion is the only Veteran's Group officially sanctioned by Congress.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at over 2.4 million in 14,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.

Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social changes in America.

Eligibility requirements:

You must have served on active duty at least 1 day during the following periods of time and either received an honorable discharge or still be on active duty:

AUGUST 2, 1990 TO TODAY* (PERSIAN GULF/ WAR ON TERRORISM)
DECEMBER 20, 1989 TO JANUARY 31, 1990 (OPERATION JUST CAUSE - PANAMA)
AUGUST 24, 1982 TO JULY 31, 1984 (LEBANON/GRENADA)
FEBRUARY 28, 1961 TO MAY 7, 1975 (VIETNAM)
JUNE 25, 1950 TO JANUARY 31, 1955 (KOREA)
DECEMBER 7, 1941 TO DECEMBER 31, 1946  (WORLD WAR II)
APRIL 6, 1917 TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918 (WORLD WAR I)

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States. U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (WWII).

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