American Legion Post 2 was organized on July 2, 1919, as the second Legion Post in the State of Tennessee. Meetings were held the first Monday of each month in the Knoxville Market Hall until the Post had grown to a membership of more than 400 men.
In 1944, the Post purchased a building, located at 704 State Street, in downtown Knoxville, where the organization remained until 1976 when it then moved to 800 Luttrell Street.
In 1983, the Post purchased the former Sunnyview Elementary School, located at 6520 Ruggles Ferry Pike, from the Knox County Government.
By 2014, however, the former school, which was built in 1931, had outlived its usefulness and was in need of extensive repairs.
As a result, in 2016, the Post membership voted to sell the building and property and move to a new location and build a new post home.
After an extensive search, the members of Post 2 purchased property located at 5100 Old Rutledge Pike and began working to prepare the site for the construction of a new building.
During this time, a picnic pavilion was constructed to allow the use of the property, and the iconic M160 Patton Tank was relocated. The site is used to host community events such as an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Classic Car Show and Trunk or Treat, and more.
Currently, Post 2 has a membership of more than local 600 service members, and supports a robust American Legion Riders group, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion chapter.
Legion members are proud to partner with local JROTC and ROTC program activities, coordinate the annual Oratorical Scholarship contest for high school students, support Boys’ and Girls’ State programs, Scouting and Young Marines programs and more.
The Post 2 family includes the Legionnaires, the Auxiliary, the Sons of the Legion, and the American Legion Riders. Members come from many locations, backgrounds, and occupations. Together, these members work to organize a multitude local veteran and community events, such as Knoxville’s Annual Veterans Day Parade, the Mountain Man Memorial March, and yearly Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Community Service
Post 2 is proud to be known as a service post, and for the past century, Legion members have strived to support community activities across East Tennessee.
Such longstanding military observances as the annual Knoxville Veterans Day Parade, the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the Memorial Day ceremonies are all organized and conducted by the American Legion.
Post 2 was also responsible for launching the annual Mountain Man Memorial March, which has turned into one of the largest events in the country to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of our military and Gold Star families.
Other less well-known activities include building ramps for disabled veterans, providing transportation for veterans to medical appointments, working with Dignity Memorial to provide a final escort for homeless Veterans laid to rest. Post 2 also tirelessly raises funds Wreaths across America and Honor Air Knoxville.
Post 2 also works with the youth of our community by supporting and sponsoring the local Boy Scout, the Young Marines chapters and the Knox County High School JROTC units by providing mentorship, acknowledging superior performance with medals and as well as offering volunteer opportunities.
Post 2 also provides financial support for local high school students who are interested in attending the annual Boys and Girls State summer program, and supports the annual Oratorical Scholarship competition.