The  American Legion William F. Earnest Post 559 has serviced the Champaign-Urbana region since at least the early 1930s.  The Post was established in 1925 by five local World War I veterans, Cecil Nelson, Robert Earnest, Earl Simpson, Lawrence Diffay, and Dr. Harry Ellis, who were also prominent businessmen. They were chartered by the National American Legion in Indianapolis on August 8, 1932. The post was named after Robert's brother who was the first casualty from Champaign, IL in WW I.  At one point it was located near the current Fifth & Hill Toxic Site Clean-up, relocating to its current location on Hickory Street in the 1980s. The Legion Post provides a sense of community for local veterans, and sponsors a variety of social events open to the entire community. 

External Links

• Historical documentation on American Legion William F. Earnest Post 559 on eBlackCU :  http://bit.ly/KYqACT