About Us
Preamble
"For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred per-cent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and masses; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."
This is the preamble to our Post's constitution. Today people would think of it as a mission statement. It is that and more. Our preamble guides the Post's activities and regulates the Post's existence.
History
Custer Post #46, The American Legion, South Dakota Department was established by Temporary Charter on 28 July 1919 in Custer City, South Dakota. Permanent Charter was granted on 06 May 1931. Residing in various locations over its almost one century of existence, its Post Home is now in the Custer School District Administration Building where it continues its activities to support veterans affairs and the community of Custer. Charter Members are remembered and listed in the below sub-page. And a detailed history is being developed for public viewing on the American Legion's Centennial Celebration website.
Organizational Status
Custer Post # 46 is an unincorporated, organized, veterans (patriotic) association; properly established with the IRS, experiencing revenue, and possessing certain federal tax exemptions. The Post is chartered under the South Dakota Department of the American Legion. It was established with the IRS on April 04, 1984 as a 501(c)(19) Exempt Organization under the auspices of the American Legion National Headquarters.
Regulating Documents
The Post was established by Charter, created by Constitution, and regulated through By-laws. All are available at the "Documents and Publications" page of this website.
Operations & Activities
Post operations are conducted by its officers who are listed in below separate webpage. Activities are proposed and approved by members at Post meetings and conducted by the members with Post officer support.
Meetings
Regular business meetings are conducted the second Tuesday of each month (with two exceptions) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The are held in room 105 of our Post Home, the Custer School District Administration Building (Old Custer High School) at 527 Montgomery St, Custer SD. Note: Entry is from the Montgomery St. doors and same level parking is available immediately east of the doors.
The two annual exceptions to the monthly schedule are each March when the business meeting is replaced by an open meeting for the Legion Birthday supper, and each August when business is suspended due to heat and "bike week" conflicts. Visiting Legionnaires are welcome and should contact the Post Adjutant at (605) 673-3930 to arrange attendance. Those attending should arrive not later than 6:15 p.m.
Affiliations
In addition to its American Legion hierarchy, Custer Post #46 is affiliated with:
Custer Senior Center Life Member
Cold Springs Historical Society Life Member
Custer Area Veterans Memorial Member
Custer Area Chamber of Commerce Member