The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a Patriotic Veterans Organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest Veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
The American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 was established in late 1944 in memory of an American officer of Chinese descent, Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph (Lt. B.R.) Kimlau. Lt. Kimlau served as an Air Force bomber pilot during World War II. He was killed in action during an air battle over the New Guinea Islands on March 1944.
The American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291, in addition to its commitments and support to the American Legion Department (State) and National organizations, has also been an active participant in the New York Chinese Community.
2023 – 2024 Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291