The American Legion, J. Thompson Wyatt, Post No. 2 was established in 1919 after World War I, what was thought to be the last war. It’s purpose was to promote patriotism and give Veterans a lobbying voice and a place to meet. The American Legion Petersburg Post No. 2 was named that because it was the second Post established in Virginia, the first being in Richmond.
Petersburg, famous for its defense efforts all throughout its history, was home to a famous National Guard unit, the site of a training camp in WWI and WWII, and with Fort Lee still a part of its environment, was among the first to become interested in a nationwide movement toward forming the veterans organization destined to become “The American Legion.”
The first meeting to organize in Petersburg was held on 3 July 1919. A distinguished member of this group was J. Thompson Wyatt, a prominent lawyer and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a number of years. He was very instrumental in founding Post 2. He served as Commander from 1919-1920 and 1925-1926. Post 2 was named for Mr. Wyatt after his death, in honor of the many outstanding contributions he made, not only to veterans, but to the community also. Mr. Trotter and Mr. Wyatt were selected as delegates to the Nation caucus, held in St. Louis, 8-10 May 1919, to represent Petersburg.
At the second meeting, held on 20 May 1919, Mr. Trotter explained the results of the National caucus, and outlined Virginia’s plan of organization. Mr. Wyatt read an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch of 18 May, that explained the principles and purposes of the organization. He mentioned the possibilities of The American Legion becoming one of the greatest fraternities in existence, declaring it to be a fearless and nonpartisan organization.
Today, approximately 400 veterans are members of Post 2. Members of the Post assist the community in the proper disposal of American Flags; place new flags on veteran’s graves prior to Memorial Day, and conduct a Post Everlasting ceremony to honor all departed Legionnaires. Post 2 has sponsored the Citizens Flag Alliance, and the POW/MIA program. A Chaplain is available to visit the sick. Each year the members of Post 2 contribute to numerous charities to the benefit of the local community. Members visit the Hunter McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond to provide necessities to the patients, and to give a little cheer at Christmastime.
The members of Post 2 have always been active at the District, Region, Department and even National levels. J. Ray Edmundson was National Membership Chairman; Joseph Halloway, Donald Houser, and J. Ray Edmundson were all Department Commanders; Marie A. Shumate was Department Historian for 2 years; William Rose and Isaac Kelley were Department Vice Commanders. There have been numerous 4th District Commanders from Post 2, to include all of the above and John Kelly, Marie Shumate, Isaac Kelley, John Todt, Steven Speta, Betty Hendrick, and Fred Hendrick.
Post 2 has an active Jr. and Sr. Auxiliary Unit, a Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) Squadron, and the American Legion Riders, who support the programs and objectives of The American Legion, and who also contribute to local charities.
The American Legion is recognized throughout the city of Petersburg by four markers or monuments presented to the City of Petersburg by the members of Post 2. The best known is the Dough Boy Monument, recognizing WWI veterans, located on Sycamore Street. The annual Veterans Day (November 11) ceremony is conducted there. The second is a stone marker located in Blandford Cemetery, recognizing all veterans from the Vietnam War. A ceremony is held each Memorial Day at this site. An Eternal Flame is located in front of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Tabb Street, and a stone marker has been placed in front of the Petersburg City Hall.
Post 2 has a meeting hall that can be rented by the public for special events, a social quarters which provides daily lunches, Friday evening dinners, Sunday morning breakfast, and other activities such as karaoke and pool tournaments.
Social events include the annual American Legion Birthday Dinner/Dance; Installation of Officers Dinner/Dance; family picnics each 4th of July and Labor Day; children’s Easter, Halloween, and Christmas parties; and social evenings for the adults at Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
In 1990, a fire destroyed the Post home, but a new building was erected where we meet today.
The American Legion general membership meetings are held at the Post each month, on the third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Members from any American Legion Post are eligible to attend these meetings.
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Noteable Trivia:
It wasn’t until 1986 that Marie A. Shumate was the first woman elected as Post Commander. She then became the first woman 4th District Commander in 1987, and Department Historian for 1987- 1989. Since that time only one other woman was Commander. Betty Hendrick was elected in 2000 – 2001. She later became the 4th District Commander also.
John R. Shumate, I, was the first Vietnam Era Post Commander. He held that position 4 times: 1979-80, 1988-89, 1999-2000, and 2002-03.
SEE MORE OF OUR PAST & PRESENT COMMANDERS