Kingston American Legion honors past, looks to future ceremony set for name Change. From the Grand Army of the Republic in 1888 to the Kingston American Legion's first forming in 1936. Kingston veterans have banded together, honoring one of their brothers in the naming of their various charters. Now, after 83 years, Kingston American Legion Post 395 will soon be embarking on a new era with a new name, becoming Duwane "Sonny" Walker American Legion Post 395 of Kingston during a special ceremony in just over one week on Saturday October 19, 2019. Kingston Civil War Veterans first organized under the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) of Civil War Veterans on March 17, 1888. The 1st GAR Post 28 of Kingston took the name of Kingston veteran Newton D. Wilson who enlisted on August 11, 1862, and served with the 23rd Infantry Company C. Sadly succumbing to disease while stationed in Milken's Bend, Louisiana Private Wilson died on April 5, 1863, and came home to be buried in the Kingston Cemetery. Almost our years after first being chartered, the 1st GAR Post 28 of Kingston retired its Newton D. Wilson Charter, voting to rename the post in honor of charter member Sergeant George F. Brayton, who served with the New York Volunteer 44th Infantry Company B. Thought having served in New York, Sgt. Brayton and his family moved to Kingston in 1870 and was well-known and involved citizen of the community. Being a charger member of 1st GAR Post 28 of Kingston, Sgt. Brayton died just four months after the post was chartered and is currently buried in Grand View Cemetery in the Village of Marquette. Continuing to honor area veterans, World War I veterans came home after the great war and marched along side their Civil War counterparts during the annual Kingston Memorial Day services, which the 1st GAR Post 28 first started back in 1890. After 39 Years of dutiful service to the community, however, the 1st GAR George F. Brayton Post 28 of Kingston disbanded in 1930. World War I veterans continued to host the annual Memorial Day services in Kingston with out a formal veterans organization for a handful of years until 17 World War I veterans banded together, officially receiving their charter as the George Thompson American Legion Post 395 of Kingston on January 17, 1936. Honored by is brothers-in-arms, Army Private George Thompson served in the 128th Co. C 32nd Infantry Division and was the first casualty of World War I from Kingston/Dalton area, having been killed in action on August 1, 1918, during the Battle of Chateau-Thierry in France. The 1st GAR Post 28 counterparts, the American Legion's mission was to serve the needs of fellow veterans and their families and to promote and maintain a working and supportive relationship with the citizens of the greater Kingston community. Today's Kingston American Legion Post 395 member consist of veterans in every branch of the military including Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard from a cross -section of conflicts that include but not limited to World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Panama and the Persian Gulf and War on Terrorism. Just as members of the 1st GAR Post 38 and the original American Legion Post 395 selected their namesake to honor members of their generation, Kingston veterans recently made the decision to again honor a veteran and a friend in that of Duwane "Sonny" Walker. Army Corporal Walker served during the Korean War with the 1st Cavalry Division as a radio operator who was responsible for sending and receiving secured communications from ship to shore using the International Morse Code. Passing away at the age of 87 in late February of this year. Walker was voted to be the new namesake of Kingston American Legion Post 395 for being "a prime example and perfect representative of the high standards of our Legion organization," according to a legion spokesperson. Legion members also believed Walker set the tone for making last friendships between veterans from all conflicts, while continuing to take active roles within the community. During a special ceremony on Saturday, October 19, 2019, starting at 2 p.m. at Kingston American Legion Hall. Legion members will publicly "Drape the Charter," a tradition whenever a Legion Post member passes. This Everlasting Post, Last bugle call, and formal retirement of the George Thompson Post 395 Charter will serve as one last farewell and thank you to Private George Thompson for his service and sacrifice. Following the retirement of the George Thompson Charter, Post 395 will officially enter into a 'New Era' as the Duwane "Sonny" Walker American Legion Post 395 of Kingston, reconfirming the Legion's commitment to serve veterans, family and friends while strengthening the Legion's working partnerships with fellow leaders of the greater Kingston community and area service organizations.
Grandsons Dylan & Evans Eldridge, son Brian, son -in -law Lt. Col. Robert "Chip" Eldridge, daughter Brenda Eldridge and Sonny's wife Irene Walker
Two sheet cakes served at the Social hour after the Ceremony
Social Hour after the Ceremony. Music by Legion member Pete Smith
The program was written with the help of Jack Meyers (Past post Commander and legion member, Janet Burdick (wife of a legion member, Tom Medick (legion member) and his wife Kathy.