Welcome to Franklin Park Post 974! Since 1946, we’ve proudly served veterans, their families, and our community. Our Post home, built by veterans, stands as a symbol of unity and dedication. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a friend, you’ll find a place with us.
Franklin Park American Legion Post 974 was born out of the dedication and patriotism of veterans who wanted to continue serving their community after World War II. In 1945, a group of Legionnaires—many of whom were Franklin Park residents and members of nearby posts—came together to discuss the possibility of forming a new Post in their own town. Their vision became a reality when Franklin Park Post 974 was officially chartered by the American Legion’s Department of Illinois on July 12, 1946.
From its earliest days, Post 974 has been a community-driven effort. Veterans and local supporters worked tirelessly to raise funds and secure a permanent home for the Post. They purchased a building at 9757 Pacific Avenue, which quickly became a symbol of pride for Franklin Park. Much of the building was literally constructed by the hands of veterans themselves, embodying their unwavering commitment to service, camaraderie, and community.
Over the decades, Post 974 has stood as a beacon of support for veterans, their families, and the community, offering a wide array of programs, events, and services that honor and assist those who served.
In 1948, just two years after the Post’s founding, the Franklin Park American Legion Auxiliary was established as an essential partner to Post 974. The Auxiliary brings together mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, and sisters of Legionnaires, forming a strong community of women dedicated to serving veterans and their families.
The Auxiliary’s work has been far-reaching. One of its most enduring contributions is through the Poppy Program, where members collect donations in exchange for symbolic red poppies to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The funds raised support veterans and their families, financing everything from educational scholarships to care packages for active-duty service members.
Throughout the years, the Auxiliary has played a vital role in helping veterans both locally and nationally. Whether through hospital visits, community events, or fundraisers, the women of the Auxiliary continue to uphold the spirit of service that has been a cornerstone of Franklin Park Post 974.
In 1965, Franklin Park Post 974 expanded its reach with the formation of a Squadron of the Sons of the American Legion. This growing group allows the sons of Legionnaires to actively contribute to the Post’s mission. Through their involvement, the Sons of the American Legion learn firsthand about the efforts of the American Legion and the importance of continuing the legacy of service and patriotism.
Over the years, the Sons of the American Legion have become a vibrant and integral part of Post 974, participating in various events, programs, and community outreach initiatives. They help ensure that the values of the American Legion are passed down to future generations, fostering a strong connection between the Post and the community.
Franklin Park Post 974 is more than just a place for veterans to gather—it’s a home for all who believe in the importance of service, honor, and patriotism. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a pillar of the Franklin Park community, the Post has remained steadfast in its commitment to veterans, their families, and the nation.
Whether through the work of the American Legion Auxiliary, the dedication of the Sons of the American Legion, or the countless programs and events hosted throughout the year, Post 974 continues to embody the spirit of unity and service that has defined it since 1946.
