The Denmark American Legion Post 363 was started in 1922 with many Veterans interest. Many Veterans at the time had served during World War I. One of the Veterans who was the main drive in the formation of the American Legion in Denmark Wisconsin was Dr. Frank Hager, he was a very respected Doctor. During that time the Post was very active socially, with hosting dances, picnics, outings, pot luck
dinners, and banquets. In the early 1930's the membership began to decline, to as low as 12 members in 1932. It could be due to the loss of interest or to the Great Depression at that time could have had such a large impact on the membership. Through out the years, the Post has remained, and has always made sure to celebrated the Remembrance on Memorial Day and Veterans Day on or near November 11. After World War II, in 1946 election; all that were elected were WWII Veterans. The Format of the Post also seemed to change by sponsoring Halloween Festivals, Larger type picnics, Badger Boys, Safety Patrols, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and little League Ball Teams. Donations began to be given to the USO, Salvation Army, D.A.V, Heart Fund Drive, and many other organizations. At that time the additional activity was do to the drive to purchase a Club House. When they finally bought the present club house on RailRoad Avenue, it took many years to get the Club house in Good condition. Once the Club House was in good condition, the Post discontinued the Halloween Festival and the Picnics. While depending on revenue form the Pancake Breakfast, Beer & Pop, and Lunch Stand at the Ball Park along with Sponsoring Slow Pitch Soft Ball Tournaments. Vice Commander Russel Kriwakek's observation is that Willard Belinski and Bob Suster kept the Legion going, while Gordon Peterson and Lloyd Benecke did most of the maintainence of the facility to keep our Club house in good shape. Even when our Post's membership at 60 to 70 members very few attended our monthly meetings. By the 1980's and 1990's our post only had 8 to 14 members attend our monthly meetings. At the present post seems to be alive again. As we have new jackets, new rifles, and a renewed attitude. We have a number of new members that are interested ion the Post and our Patriotic Duties. I hope the good work can continue and the Post may continue to grow as we reach all generations of Veterans. Respectfully Submitted: Vice Commander Russel Kriwanek
March 2, 2007
