The American Legion was founded on March 15–17, 1919, in Paris by veterans of the American Expeditionary Force who participated in World War I. The Athens Post was established in 1927 by American expatriates, veterans of World War I. The Post’s first priority in 1930 was the donation to the city of Athens of a monument in memory of the American Philhellenes who fought in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The monument, created by sculptor G. Dimitriadis, is located today in the park on Panagi Kyriakou Street (Theia Lena Park, near the U.S. Embassy).
Considering the economic and social conditions in American society in the years following World War I—especially in 1928–1929—it is inferred that most veterans returned to their homeland, relying on the monthly war pension provided by the U.S. Government due to their service. Some of them, with foresight and entrepreneurial spirit, founded the Post both to more effectively claim their rights and to promote the ideals of American thought at the time: liberalism and justice. The Post’s statutes reflect these principles and the promotion of camaraderie among its members.
The number of members increased significantly through various recreational, charitable, and social activities. In 1939, the building at 9 Tziraion Street was purchased, serving as the headquarters of the Athens Post. This was followed by the creation of Posts in Tripoli, Patras, Thessaloniki, and Chania. Today, only the Athens Post remains active. Administratively, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of France, among 30 other European Posts (D. Siotas, 2010).
The American Legion Archive was transferred to the Historical Archive of the Municipality of Athens in 2010, immediately after the donation of the American Legion property (Athens Post) at 9 Tziraion Street to the Solidarity Foundation of the Municipality of Athens.
It includes the Organization’s correspondence, administrative and financial documents, most of which concern its members. Date range: 1926–2009. It consists of:
- 161 volumes
- Loose documents stored in 64 archival boxes
- Photographs, objects, and artifacts (under classification)
ACCESS
Access to the physical collection is conditional and is provided at the Reading Room of the Archive.
Related Bibliography – Sources
1. Kokiasmenou P. (2016). The American Legion and I. Athens
2. Siotas D. (2010). Brief Presentation of the History of the American Legion of Athens (note)
