As warmer weather returns to the Pacific Northwest, spring and summer activities appear on the horizon. Spring also brings forth opportunities to actively participate in guiding the Bellingham American Legion into the future. The Albert J Hamilton Legion nominations for Post 7 Officer positions have been finalized and the nominations process is now closed.

Those who have elected to serve as American Legion Post 7 Executive Board members have chosen to volunteer their time and efforts to our local veteran community as well as the United States military community. It is worth noting that, long ago, we Legionnaires once swore an oath to serve the citizens of our great nation. For many Legionnaires that unwavering sense of responsibility never faded. Post 7 officer volunteerism help fellow veterans find a home at the Bellingham American Legion. Active member participation also helps ensure that the Albert J Hamilton American Legion Post 7 continues to thrive in this turbulent new century.

American Legion roots run deep in Whatcom County. Bellingham Legion Post 7’s namesake, Albert J Hamilton, was born in Whatcom County. Albert worked as a logger before he was sent to France during World War 1. By all accounts Albert was a good soldier who was well liked by his fellow Doughboys. Unfortunately, Corporal Hamilton lost his life in the final month of that horrible conflict. However, the supreme sacrifice of Corporal Hamilton and the Hamilton family was not forgotten. Far from it, as evidenced by Albert’s portrait greeting everyone as they enter Post 7.

Upon their release from military service, America’s World War 1 Veterans recognized that the returning Doughboys and their families needed a place to gather. A place where Veterans could continue their service long after their military enlistments had ended. A place where their families could find a community. A place that Veterans could call their own. Those early Whatcom County American Legion members built the foundation for our 21st century Post 7 community. Today, we enjoy the many volunteer hours and efforts of those Veterans and their families.

As Veterans and Legionnaires, service for the greater good is what we do. As young women and men, we signed our names, raised our right hand and swore an oath. In doing so we joined a truly exclusive community. According to the Pew Research Center, as of November 2023 only 6% of Americans are Veterans. Looking at the 2023 United States Census Bureau statistics, between 2018 and 2022, the Veteran community in Whatcom County numbered 13,011. We at Post 7 need to be there for our military sisters and brothers who, like us, swore fidelity to those who chose to wear our nation’s uniform.

Earlier this year we celebrated the birthday of United States World War 2 Navy Veteran Russ Chapman. At the age of 97, Russ still attends every Post Eboard and General Membership meeting. You can also reliably find Russ working the Joker Poker table every Saturday night. The quiet and unwavering dedication of this very special Legionnaire exemplifies the founding values of our American Legion Post. From the American Legion preamble: “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness”.

This year the American Legion celebrated our 105th birthday. The Bellingham American Legion Albert J Hamilton Post 7 has been active for each and every one of those years. 105 years of service to our nation. 105 years of advocating for every American service member. 105 years of supporting Veterans and their families. 105 years of honoring a young Whatcom County service man who lost his life in a distant land.

As the American Legion advances into the twenty first century, the Bellingham Post will need volunteers to lead the way. We, as a Post 7 Family, must strive towards the goals set forth by our founders over a century ago. From the American Legion preamble:

“To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism”

“To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation”

“To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy”