Mission

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

 

History

The Papillon American Legion Post opened on August 5, 1919 and officially sanctioned in September, 1919 as “Harry Bossard American Legion Post #32”. Harry Vern Bossard was the son of Layton Bossard and Mary (Pederson) Bossard. The family lived in Sarpy County, Nebraska. When Harry registered for the draft of “The Great War” he was working as the manager of the Mills County Power Company in Glenwood, Iowa. Harry was a corporal in the U.S. Army, 355 th Infantry Regiment, 89 th Infantry Division, Company C, 314 th Field Signal Batallion, American Division. Corporal Harry Bossard died on August 11, 1918 while serving in France during the Meuse Argonne Offensive. The Germans had launched a massive attack to retake land held by American forces in many areas along the front. The Germans used gas agents on key post positions; Corporal Bossard and a number of his men occupied such positions. According to HonorStates.org, “Bossard experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on August 11, 2018. Recorded circumstances attributed to: “Died of Wounds”. Harry’s younger brother, Corporal Royal Bossard, survived the attack and was with Harry when he died, two weeks before his 28 the birthday. Corporal Harry Vern Bossard is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne, France, Plot B, Row 38, Grave #36. A headstone in memory of Corporal Harry V. Bossard is also erected within the Cedardale Cemetery in Papillion, NE.

Important Dates

  • September 13, 1919 (See Picture): Papillion, Nebraska was recognized as an American Legion Post. Meetings were being conducted out of the offices of local dentist, Dr. Ord.

  • April 13, 1934 (See Picture): It wasn't until 1934, that American Legion Post 32 became a chartered Post. Original Charter members of Post 32 include William E. Meacham; O.H. Magaret; Fred R. Lamb; Ralph J. Nickerson; Ray S. West; Roy L. Bossard; Fred Megel; Albert M. Bell; Chester Zwiebel; Forrest King; Amos W. Gates; Jos. E. Strawn; George L. Buckner; Perr L. Harman; John M. Haug; Walter C. Schwer; Ralph M. Hagedom; Ralph Pflug; Raymond Morisson.

  • July 10, 1934 (See Picture): Unit 32 Auxiliary of Post 32 receives its Charter. While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.

  • October 9, 1945 (See Picture): It wasn't until 1945 when Post 32 finally found a place to call home. The foundation had been laid on Lincoln Road in Papillion and by Oct. 9th, 1945 the Post was still looking to finish what was and still is a great piece of history for the City of Papillion in Nebraska.

  • March 2, 1946 (See Picture): 100 new members joined Post 32.

  • February 28, 1982 (See Picture): Post 32 sponsors the Charter for Boy Scout Troop 60.

  • July 10, 1984 (See Picture): Unit 32 Auxiliary celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

  • July 18, 1988 (See Picture): The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 32 is Chartered.

  • March 15, 2015 (See Picture): Kris Paronto, noted author as well as former U.S. Army Ranger and CIA security contractor, spoke at the American Legion Post 32 Birthday dinner. Paronto is known for his heroic actions while part of the CIA annex security team during the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stephens and the CIA compound in Benghazi. He is featured in the book "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi” and is credited as a co-author.

  • December 5, 2019 (See Pictures): In recognition of Military Family Month, Ms. Veteran America 2019, Naviere Walkewicz (USAF, Lt Col (Res)) provided a presentation on the Military Family.