Built to Belong: Moorhead American Legion Captures the Community’s Hearts

07.08.25

Built to Belong: Moorhead American Legion Captures the Community’s Hearts

By Hannah Kliniske, Director of Content Strategy, FMWF Chamber

Fargo Moorhead Legion Riders present a check to the American Legion National Commander.

Fargo Moorhead Legion Riders presenting a check to the American Legion National Commander.
(Photo courtesy: Moorhead American Legion).

Discover how the Moorhead American Legion earned the ChamberChoice People's Choice award, celebrating its impact, community service and lasting legacy in the region.

Every community has those places. The ones with stories in the walls, where generations gather and traditions carry forward. Where service isn’t just a slogan. It’s lived out loud, day after day.

In Moorhead, that place is American Legion Post 21.

This year, the public cast their votes for the ChamberChoice People’s Choice Award with resounding clarity. They voted the Moorhead American Legion as most deserving, and you’re about to see why.

What does over 100 years of service look like?

It looks like 11,000 volunteer hours in just three years.

It looks like $330,000 poured back into the community.

It looks like Friday steak dinners, youth fundraisers, Honor Guard tributes and Memory Café dances.

It looks like a place where people show up, and keep showing up.

Founded in 1919, the Moorhead American Legion has been a witness to local history, and a force within it, building connection, stability and trust for more than a century.

A steady presence with an open door

It looks like 11,000 volunteer hours in just three years.

It looks like $330,000 poured back into the community.

It looks like Friday steak dinners, youth fundraisers, Honor Guard tributes and Memory Café dances.

It looks like a place where people show up, and keep showing up.

Founded in 1919, the Moorhead American Legion has been a witness to local history, and a force within it, building connection, stability and trust for more than a century.

Growth that honors tradition

While its legacy runs long, the Moorhead American Legion has never stood still.

They’ve modernized operations, invested in staff, increased charitable gaming revenue and launched a building refresh initiative. In 2025, they’ll close on 2.25 acres of land to expand their space and their service.

While many veteran organizations across the country are shuttering, Post 21 now ranks among the top ten largest American Legion posts in Minnesota, a rare and powerful sign of resilience.

A people’s favorite for good reason

The People’s Choice Award is all about trust earned over time, and the Moorhead Legion shows up. And it’s not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but at Frostival, Matson Field and the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall. It supports students and seniors, new Americans and long-time residents, military families and everyday citizens who just need a place to land.

You can feel it the moment you walk in: a sense of welcome, warmth and something meaningful unfolding.

More than a winner. A local legacy.

The Moorhead American Legion reminds us what lasting impact really looks like. Not flashy. Not loud. Just consistent, committed care for the people and place they serve.

They’ve proven that strong communities are built one volunteer hour at a time. One fundraiser at a time. One shared meal, handshake or quiet gesture of support.

That kind of presence doesn’t just earn awards. It earns hearts. You can learn more about the Legion by visiting moorheadlegion.com, swinging by in person or attending one of their public events.

Like the Moorhead American Legion, each of this year’s ChamberChoice Award winners is leaving their own mark by building community, creating connection and shaping the future of our region. Explore all of this year’s winners and discover the stories behind their impact.