Harold D. Speakman Post 356

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POST 356 HISTORY

The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the country with 2.6 million members around the world.  The American Legion was chartered by the U.S. Congress in March of 1919.  The Narberth Post 356 received its charter October 16, 1919, and has had a continuous presence in Narberth since then.  The Post has been meeting in the Legion wing of the Narberth Community Building since June of 1926.

The Post was founded by the Narberth veterans of World War I, and named in honor of Harold D. Speakman.  Harold Davis Speakman was born in Philadelphia on September 6, 1895, educated at the Philadelphia Manual Training School and West Philadelphia High School.  He moved to Narberth shortly before the outbreak of World War I, residing at 511 Essex Avenue.  Harold enlisted and was assigned to Company "H" 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Infantry Brigade, 28th Division.  From the rank of Sergeant he received a battlefield commission as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in France.  He was killed in action at Foret de Fere near the town of Beuvardes during the 2nd Battle of the Marne July 25th 1918, 6 weeks before his 23rd birthday.  He is buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery Plot A Row 18 Grave 12, Fere-en-Tardenois, France

One of the Post's notable achievements was the building of the original War Memorial area at the corner of N. Wynnewood and Windsor Avenues, which was dedicated on Memorial Day of 1937.  The construction of this area was done entirely by the Post with funds donated by the community and Post members.

The Narberth Post continues to be active in community affairs, and in remembering those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our country.  The Post is active in remembering Memorial Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day.

The Post is a non profit IRS 501 (c) (19) organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.