Meet Cissel Saxon American Legion Post 41 and Commander Daniel Bullis

A young Lieutenant Colonel named Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. came up with the idea to create an organization of veterans. Hence, on March 15, 1919, the AEF planted a seed for The American Legion with a temporary Constitution at the American Club in Paris, France. On September 16, 1919, that seed grew to fruition when the US Congress chartered The American Legion as a patriotic veterans organization for service to veterans, service members, and communities.

Celebrating its centennial anniversary, it is now one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. They created a road to social change in America, acquired hundreds of benefits for veterans, and produced many important programs for children and youth.

Since the American Legion was chartered in 1919, the Department of Maryland has continued The American Legion's commitment to community, state, and nation through programs dedicated to Veterans Affairs, Americanism, Children & Youth, and National Defense/Homeland Security.

It might be even more surprising to know that there is an American Legion Post right in downtown Silver Spring (DTSS). Now let’s meet Commander Daniel Bullis, who was elected six years ago to be Commander of the Cissel Saxon American Legion Post 41 in DTSS. Commander Bullis, a former Sergeant Major Medic with outstanding military service and dedication to military medicine, brings with him an impressive 31-year active military history. Cissel Saxon Post is a remarkable, fun post. Commander Bullis brings the understanding, skills, and creativity for the duties of Commander. He also brings the passion and compassion that Cissel Saxon Post requires.

Post 41 supports the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) and The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Post 41 is a proud Sponsor of the Boys and Girls State Scouting programs, Legion Baseball, and many other activities and programs. Their monthly dinners for recovering Warriors and family members is made possible with the support of the Walter Reed Society and the Alleethia Foundation.

Just as Silver Spring is intentionally multicultural, so is Post 41. It is intentionally multicultural because the military is multicultural. It welcomes multicultural groups, including entertainment, organizations, groups, and individuals. For example, Post serves as home for the Kingdom of God Church, an Ethiopian church as well as a hand dancing group. (FYI: Hand dancing is also known as DC swing that originated in Washington, DC among African Americans. The Smithsonian Institution recognizes hand dancing as a traditional folk form and national treasure.)

Post 41 is thriving in DTSS on Fenton Street. It feels like big city goings-on and loaded with friendship and big fun. They claim the title, “The Friendliest Post in Maryland.”

Now is a good time to honor our veterans and delight yourself in their friendliness. It’s also a good time to learn how Post 41 earned that title. Fun at Post 41 is a start. On the third Friday of each month there are delicious crab legs and tasty spiced shrimp, which go well with the onion rings, cole slaw, or fries.

Then there are the five fun slot machines, raffles, happy hours, an excellent selection of beer, drink specials, and great food. They have entertainment and light fare every Friday night. They celebrate a monthly Wounded Warrior Family Appreciation night. Their programs are stronger than ever.

Bands play at Post 41, which means there is dancing. It practically home for the DC Blues Society. Their programs are stronger than ever. Comedians put on great stand-up shows. Post 41 even offer hand dancing. (FYI: Hand dancing is known as DC swing that originated in Washington, DC among African Americans. The Smithsonian Institution recognizes hand dancing as a tradition folk form and national treasure.

Even the Service Dogs are welcome! Here is a beautiful black Labrador chilling and enjoying an evening at Post 41 with his veteran.

All of this makes for a fun evening with friendly folks, and the prices are quite reasonable. More importantly, when you spend time at Post 41, you are helping innumerable veterans, service members, and communities. They say they continue to be the Friendliest Post in Maryland thanks to the support of their members and their guests. They say that they would not be a great Post doing the outstanding work they do without your help!

Commander Bullis and Cissel Saxon Post have big plans for Post 41 in the near future. Because a member recently expressed his love and generosity for Post 41 through a bequest he made at his passing. He made it possible for Post 41 to renovate the building inside and outside. They also want to bring greater awareness to the building from the street view. This would also give greater recognition to its neighbors and community.

The postal address is on Sligo Avenue, but the entrance is 8104 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD, next door to the parking deck.

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The American Legion is a US war organization comprised of over two million veterans who served during war time. It might be surprising to know that the American Legion was created in Paris, France in 1919 by 20 officers serving in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in France during World War I. At that time morale of the French, Italian, Russian, and even the stiff upper lip British armies’ was shattered. AEF Headquarters asked the officers to come up with ideas to improve troop morale.