BMI Post 40

 

BMI Post 40 History

 

Toward the end of 1941 thirty-five World War I veterans working in the Defense Plant Corporation applied for and were granted an American Legion charter. The new Post was designated as “Basic Magnesium post number 40” and would be composed mostly of BMI employees. On January 14, 1942 the first meeting was held at the War Memorial Building in Las Vegas. David A Davis was elected the first Post Commander and Clark Hardy as the first Adjutant. Only one month after organization the Post membership stood at 101 members, both a remarkable and patriotic feat. One of the first orders of business, after the election of officers, was to form a Defense Committee to prevent sabotage in case of disaster as well as asking members to act as Air Raid Wardens.

In 1941, the Basic Magnesium Inc. complex was built for the Federal Government to produce magnesium and other materials critical to the Allied war effort during World War II. Las Vegas was a tiny railroad watering station in 1941 and the Basic Magnesium site was chosen for its proximity to Lake Mead - for water, the Hoover Dam - for power, and Gabbs - for its deposits of magnetite. The Basic Magnesium complex grew rapidly and soon there was a magnesium production facility that would encompass a massive complex, approximately two miles in length. Additionally  there would  be a  settlement, that would provide housing for the workmen and their families and called Basic Town Site.

Shortly after our formation in 1941-42, the organizers and charter members of Basic Magnesium post 40 became very involved in community activities. In addition to the personal sacrifice these men made for the war effort they also found time to sponsor and organize , dinner dances, arrange speakers for meetings on patriotism, the war effort, the community and the events within the town site, support the local schools and provide sponsorship for Legion Junior baseball. By the summer of ‘44 the post had secured the Regional finals for our area, thus beginning our long running and continuous support of American Legion Baseball   

In the latter part of 1944, the Allies' need for magnesium dwindled; the plant stopped production and was shut down. Though thousands of people left the region, enough remained to save the settlement. In 1953, behind the efforts of some civic-minded settlers, Basic Town site and the neighboring town of Pittman incorporated as the City of Henderson, named in honor of former Nevada Senator Charles B. Henderson.

As our post grew so did our community support. Basic Magnesium donated a parcel of land for the use and benefit of BMI Post 40. This parcel of land was ultimately sold to the City of Henderson, and a new parcel of land was purchased with the proceeds. In February 1998 construction was completed on this new parcel and our new home at 425 E Van Wagenen was open.

 

Affiliated Organizations

The American Legion Auxilary Unit 40 was formed on March 21st, 1994. The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Auxiliary.  Auxiliary members are always anxious and willing to co-operate in every Legion activity.

The Son of the American Legion Squadron 40 was formed on October 9th, 2000.  The Legion has every reason to be proud of it's Sons of Legion unit, which gained statewide recognition because of it's programs of service.

                                                                 Patriotic Days

MEMORIAL DAY has always been an outstanding occasion in this community. In addition to memorial events throughout the Henderson community, the  goal of every Veteran to it's last man is to keep MEMORIAL DAY sacred to the memory of our war dead of all of the wars of the country; and all graves are decorated on this National Holiday.

 ARMISTICE DAY, now called VETERANS' DAY, originally marked the end of fighting in World War I. It is an important holiday on the calendar of Legionnaires everywhere and in the hearts of all Veterans. Annually the Post sponsored the Armistice Day Parade. An important tradition was established when the Post led in the memorial exercises at 11 o'clock on the morning of November 11, marking the exact hour of the cessation of hostility on the war fronts.

Birthdays 

US Army - June 14, 1775

US Navy - October 13, 1775

US Marines - November 10, 1778

US Coast Guard - August 4, 1790

US Air Force - September 18, 1947

 

Dates that will Live in Infamy

 

Dec. 7, 1941- Pearl Harbor Hawaii - the United States of America was attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

September 11, 2001 - militant Islamic terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners and carried out

deadly attacks, destroying the World Trade Center, and damaging the Pentagon.

 

Scholarships and Community Projects

American LegionPost --- sponsors various scholarships for the further education of our children. We also sponsor and financially assist many worthy community projects and programs initiated by the National American Legion.

Join Us and Keep this History Alive