The American Legion’s first organizational meeting took place in Paris, France in March 1919. A caucus was held which created a temporary constitution and adopted the name The American Legion. Another organizing caucus was held in St. Louis, Missouri in May 1919, which established a constitution and proposed the permanent organization. Congress granted The American Legion a national charter in September 1919.
Horace Orr Post 29 was originally chartered as Blackjack Post 29 on September 29,1919. The name was permanently changed to Horace Orr Post 29 at the general membership meeting on April 26, 1922.
Post 29 is named in honor of Sgt. William H. Orr, the first soldier from Marietta, GA killed in World War I. Horace resided at 103 McDonald Street in Marietta. He worked as a salesman for the Dixie Culbert Metal Company in Atlanta when he was drafted. Horace reported for training at Camp Gordon in Chamblee, GA on September 22, 1917 and departed for Europe on April 10, 1918. Sgt. Orr was killed in action on October 14, 1918 in the battle of Argonne Forest in France. Horace served in the Army, Company A, 325th Infantry, 82nd Division. His parents were notified of his death in December 1918. His body was returned from France on March 2, 1922. His funeral was held Sunday March 5, 1922. He is buried in the family burial ground, now part of Mars Hill Cemetery near Acworth, GA.
