Westphal Post 251 of the American Legion was organized on October 31st, 1919. It was named in honor of Gottlieb L. Westphal, who was killed in action on October 16th on the Sommerance St. Juvin Road in France. He was first buried in the Argone American Cemetery and later at Burschville, Minnesota. In 1953 James Walker became the Commander and by 1974 he became the state Commander. Two years later Walker was the National Vice Commander.
His wife Margaret was the Auxiliary President in 1950 and became the state President in 1965. James and Margaret were often called Mr. and Mrs. American Legion for their more than 30 years of service. The Post has been active from the first in civic affairs and patriotic observances. Over the years the Legion has sponsored an array of youth activities and planted several thousand trees throughout the city. In all ways the post has carried out its creed of service for “God and Country”.