The American Legion, Inc. is a U.S. wartime veteran’s organization formed in Paris and chartered by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and has a legislative office in Washington, D.C. The Legion is active in issue-oriented United States politics and is recognized widely for its support of “Americanism”. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of the interests of veterans and service members, including support for veteran’s benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration.
The Edward H. Bitzer Muscatine Post 27, American Legion Department of Iowa, was officially chartered in 1922 as part of the National American Legion organization of war time veterans. It was deemed fitting that the new Post carry the name of the first Muscatine man killed in action during WW1. After considerable research, it was decided that this man was 19 year old Edward Harrison Bitzer who was killed by a high explosive shell at the Battle of Chateau Thierry on August 4, 1918.
Located at 110 S. Houser Street in Muscatine, our Post provides facilities for our members to socialize and work together for the betterment of the community. Members volunteer and donate their time by supporting and honoring area veterans and by contributing and participating in worthwhile local projects and events. Post 27 also assists veterans residing outside the area by taking part in statewide and national American Legion sponsored programs. In addition, our facility provides space for other non-profit organizations to hold meetings and host community events.
Post 27 officials and members routinely host and/or participate in celebrations of various patriotic events, including Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, Veteran’s funeral Honor Guard, the 4th of July, and Flag Retirement to name a few. We have been recognized for contributions to wounded veterans, through the Comfort Warriors Program and, whenever possible, offer assistance to those in need. We have garnered, statewide and national awards for our youth programs, offer scholarships through our American Legion Family and conduct a certified youth firearms safety and marksmanship training program.
We welcome new members and encourage all veterans, their spouses or other family members, who are eligible, to join Post 27, the Auxiliary Unit 27, or the Sons of the American Legion!