A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

LT. B. R. KIMLAU CHINESE MEMORIAL POST 1291

 

By Gabe Mui, Adjutant

The American Legion Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 was founded in 1945 by a group of dedicated World War II veterans. Despite the challenges they faced, their determination led to the successful acquisition of a charter from the National American Legion Headquarters. The new Post began with 96 founding members, one of whom was not of Chinese descent. The Post was named in honor of Lt. Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, an American of Chinese heritage. Lt. Kimlau served as a U.S. Army Air Forces bomber pilot during World War II and tragically lost his life during a mission over the New Guinea Islands.

Initially headquartered at 185 Worth Street, the Post quickly outgrew its space due to a surge in membership from returning servicemen. Seeking a larger facility, the Post leased the second floor of 196 Canal Street in 1945 and relocated there after completing significant renovations.

On April 28, 1946, the Lt. Kimlau Post held an official opening ceremony in Chinatown’s Columbus Park, marking the occasion with a grand parade and celebration. George Mar Lee, the Post’s first Commander, led a membership of over 600 veterans.

Deeply engaged in community affairs, the Post quickly emerged as a prominent and influential institution within the Chinese community. It forged a strong partnership with the Chinese Benevolent Association, playing a pivotal role in addressing local challenges and fostering communal harmony.

The Lt. Kimlau Post was a key force behind two successful appeals to Congress, advocating for fair and equitable treatment in Chinese immigration policies and securing an increase in Chinese refugee quotas. Simultaneously, the Post worked with the New York City Department of Transportation to enhance safety in Chinatown. By petitioning for traffic lights in the neighborhood, the Post helped reduce the rising number of traffic accidents and ensured greater protection for pedestrians.

In the late 1950s, the Kimlau Post of the American Legion sought to honor Chinese-American veterans by commissioning a memorial. Designed by architect Poy Gum Lee, the striking gateway combines traditional Chinese architecture with mid-century modern style. Located at the busy intersection of Bowery, Worth Street, Mott Street, and East Broadway in New York City, it symbolizes the courage and patriotism of Chinese-American soldiers.

The memorial’s creation faced challenges, particularly in finding a location in Chinatown. After years of negotiations, the Post secured a traffic island at Bowery and Chatham Square. The original four-column design was scaled down to a two-column structure with benches, preserving the essence of a Chinese paifang with its peaked roof and stylized brackets. Inscribed in English and Chinese, the monument reads: “In memory of the Americans of Chinese ancestry who lost their lives in defense of freedom and democracy.” Unveiled on April 28, 1962, the memorial was later expanded to form Kimlau Square, a lasting tribute to both American and Chinese-American heritage.

In 1961, the Lt. Kimlau Post acquired a six-story building at 191-193 Canal Street to establish its permanent headquarters. After two years of extensive renovations, the Post marked its 19th anniversary on April 28, 1963, with the grand opening of the new headquarters. The event saw the installation of newly elected officers, with over 1,000 attendees, including members, their families, and distinguished guests. Among the notable attendees were American Legion Department Commander Charles L. Bacon, U.S. Senator Hiram Fong of Hawaii, Republic of China Ambassador to the U.N. Liu Kia, and General S.M. Wang, the Republic of China’s Chief Military Delegate to the U.N. The ceremony also included a strong presence of state and city officials, along with prominent community leaders.

In September 1970, Chiang Ching-Kuo, the President of the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China, visited New York City as part of his official tour of the United States. During his visit, he was warmly welcomed by the local Chinese community and honored by the Lt. Kimlau Post. Among the distinguished individuals who were recognized by the Post were Air Force Lieutenant General Chennault, U.S. Army General J.A. Van Fleet, U.S. Senator Fong of Hawaii, New York City Mayor Robert Wagner, ROC Ambassador Tang, and NYPD Inspector Beatty.

The 1950s and 1960s are widely regarded as the most influential years for the Post. During this time, its membership surpassed 1,000, with many members also playing significant roles in local community organizations. The Post developed a variety of extensive service programs aimed at supporting different causes, such as flood relief, earthquake aid, refugee assistance, and educational grants. For example, the Lt. Kimlau Post provided funds for the True Light School Drum and Fife Band to purchase lockers for uniform storage, and for the Chinese Community School Band to acquire instruments and uniforms. Additionally, the Post donated $1,000 towards establishing a recreation center for the youth of Chinatown at the Chinese Community Center.

Between 1965 and 1968, The Post launched a Scholarship Program that supported over 100 children of its members. This initiative focused on promoting the study of the Chinese language and culture. Additionally, the program offered financial assistance to deserving students with exceptional academic performance, enabling them to pursue or complete their higher education.

In 1970, U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War led to significant political instability and economic challenges. Inflation surged, and the Lt. Kimlau Post faced financial difficulties. The Post came dangerously close to taking out a loan to cover its operating costs, prompting the Post Commander to initiate a restructuring program. To balance the budget, non-essential activities were reduced or suspended, and the Post sought new revenue streams to support its operations. In response, leadership decided to convert the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors into rentable office space, easing the financial strain. Despite these changes, the Lt. Kimlau Post remained steadfast in its dedication to the community. In response to an influx of new immigrants, the Post launched an integration program that offered English and American history lessons to help them adjust to their new lives.

In the 1980s and continuing into the late 1990s, a significant wave of immigration, particularly from Hong Kong and Taiwan, brought a transformative shift to local communities in America. This influx led to a surge in real estate values, the growth of local businesses, and a marked improvement in the finances of the Post. However, despite these positive changes, many programs that had been put on hold could not be fully reinstated due to the evolving interests of the Post’s aging members. As a result, the Post adjusted its activities and benefits to better align with the current needs of its membership. To keep everyone up to date, a newsletter was periodically sent out to members, ensuring they remained informed.

In recent years, the Lt. Kimlau Post has offered a wide selection of newspapers, magazines, and books for its members to enjoy. The Post remains dedicated to providing recreational activities, including Mah-jong and card games. Every day, members are treated to afternoon tea and buns, a gesture of hospitality that is highly appreciated. This warm welcome has encouraged members to actively recruit new veterans into the Post. Notably, younger generations of veterans are steadily joining, ensuring the continuation of community service and the preservation of the Post’s cherished values and heritage.

In the early 2000s, the Post recognized the significance of education and revived its long-dormant scholarship program to inspire young members and their families to excel academically. Since then, the Post has awarded over 280 scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1000, presented annually at the Christmas luncheon. Additionally, the Post modernized its communication methods, transitioning to email distribution for quarterly newsletters. With the growing reliance on technology, computer networks and the internet became the standard for the Post’s daily operations.

In 2012, The Post became a founding member of the Chinatown Business Improvement District (BID). BIDs are designed to enhance neighborhoods by creating vibrant, clean, and safe environments. They provide services and improvements that go beyond what the City typically offers.  BIDs play a crucial role in promoting small businesses, and fostering a sense of community among local merchants. They host events, facilitate networking, and advocate for necessary improvements to the area. BIDs also act as a bridge between local businesses, stakeholders, and City officials, ensuring that the neighborhood’s concerns are heard. By providing a unified voice, BIDs help shape City policies that reflect the unique needs and interests of the community.

Our post headquarters, with only minor upgrades since its renovation in the early 1960s, underwent significant changes starting in 2015 to create a more comfortable and modern environment for members. The first phase focused on the second-floor auditorium, where outdated wood paneling, vinyl floor tiles, ceilings, bathrooms, and electrical fixtures were replaced. This extensive renovation culminated in the dedication of the “Chairman Peter Woo Auditorium” on July 4th, in honor of our long-time chairman who played a pivotal role in securing the Post’s permanent headquarters. The dedication ceremony was a momentous occasion attended by members, the chairman’s family, and Chinese media representatives. The second phase addressed the third floor, home to the Post’s daily operations. Despite logistical challenges, including shifting operations from room to room, the project was completed on schedule, providing members with a modern, comfortable space to work and meet. Finally, in 2024, the Post’s antiquated elevator system was upgraded to a state-of-the-art traction system, ensuring compliance with New York City regulations and prioritizing safety for all.

The impact of the pandemic stretched well into 2020, continuing to affect daily life throughout the year and forcing the cancellation of all activities in the first quarter of 2021. It was especially disheartening to postpone the planned 75th-anniversary celebration, which was intended to honor the Post’s accomplishments and strengthen our sense of community. The year 2020 will be remembered as a time when the world, our nation, and our Post all faced the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from essential operations run by a small, dedicated group of volunteers, the Post remained closed to ensure the safety of our members. This period of disruption has been incredibly challenging for us all.

The pandemic changed lives and cast a shadow of fear throughout much of 2021. However, as vaccination rates increased and government restrictions began to ease, there was a sense of hope. This gradual return to normalcy allowed the Post to cautiously resume some of its functions. Still, member participation in Post events has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. The Mah-jong and card games that once brought us together are no longer played, and with the introduction of congestion pricing in New York City – charging vehicles entering lower Manhattan – many members now visit the Post less frequently.

In 2021, a significant milestone was reached when the Kimlau Memorial was designated as a New York City Landmark by the Landmark Preservation Commission. It is the first landmark of its kind, honoring the contributions of Chinese-American veterans to our country.

The Lt. Kimlau Post has enjoyed remarkable success and accomplishment over the past 80 years. Its members are deeply appreciative of the foresight and hard work of the founding members and the dedicated Past Commanders. Their commitment has laid the foundation for a robust organization that remains devoted to both its members and its service to the community.

With a proud tradition of compassion and generosity, the Lt. Kimlau Post is committed to upholding the core values of Justice, Freedom, Democracy, and Loyalty. As it looks toward the future, the Lt. Kimlau Post is poised to continue serving its members, community, state, and country, in alignment with the national preamble.

 

 

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History of the Lt. Kimlau Post 1291