A Legacy of Service
The Story of Stoughton's Veterans Organizations
"The names have changed over the years, but the mission has remained the same—veterans serving veterans, honoring those who came before them, and strengthening the community they call home."
For more than 160 years, the people of Stoughton have answered our nation's call to serve.
From the battlefields of the Civil War to today's active-duty military, generations of local men and women have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. When they returned home, they didn't simply resume their lives—they continued serving their fellow veterans and the Stoughton community.
That tradition did not begin with the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Its roots reach back to the Civil War and a small group of Union veterans determined to ensure that the sacrifices of their comrades would never be forgotten.
This is the story of that legacy.
The Stoughton Light Guard
When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Stoughton was a growing Wisconsin community filled with young men willing to defend the Union.
Many joined the Stoughton Light Guard, which became Company D of the 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Alongside the 2nd Wisconsin, 6th Wisconsin, and 19th Indiana, they formed the legendary Iron Brigade—one of the most respected fighting units of the Civil War.
These men fought in many of the war's bloodiest battles. Some returned home. Many did not.
Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice was First Sergeant Philo C. Buckman.
Philo C. Buckman Post No. 153
Grand Army of the Republic
Following the Civil War, Union veterans found themselves facing a new challenge—caring for one another after the war had ended.
In 1866 they formed the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the nation's first major veterans organization.
Stoughton's chapter became Philo C. Buckman Post No. 153, named in honor of the young first sergeant who was killed during the Battle of Gainesville on August 28, 1862.
The members of Post 153 understood that their duty had not ended when the fighting stopped.
They cared for disabled veterans, assisted widows and orphaned families, advocated for veterans' benefits, promoted patriotism in local schools, and organized Memorial Day observances long before they became national traditions.
Most importantly, they made sure their fallen comrades would never be forgotten.
They laid the foundation upon which every veterans organization that followed would be built.
VFW Mother Post 328
As one generation of veterans aged, another returned home from overseas service.
Veterans of the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and other foreign conflicts organized what would become VFW Mother Post 328.
Founded in 1899, Stoughton holds a unique place in American veterans history. Post 328 is recognized as Wisconsin's first Veterans of Foreign Wars post and one of the oldest VFW posts in the United States.
For well over a century, Mother Post 328 has stood as an advocate for combat veterans and their families while remaining deeply involved in the civic life of Stoughton.
Its members have carried forward the same ideals first embraced by the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic—service, remembrance, and unwavering support for fellow veterans.
Otis Sampson American Legion Post 59
The end of World War I brought home yet another generation of veterans.
In 1919, the American Legion was founded by veterans who believed those who had served their country also had a continuing obligation to their communities.
Stoughton answered that call.
In 1921, Otis Sampson American Legion Post 59 received its charter, taking its name from Stoughton native Otis Sampson, who became the community's first casualty of World War I.
For more than a century, Post 59 has continued the work begun decades earlier.
Through funeral honors, youth programs, scholarships, community service, support for veterans and their families, patriotic ceremonies, and countless volunteer hours, the Post has remained a cornerstone of the Stoughton community.
Better Together
While the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are separate organizations, their missions have always been closely connected.
Throughout the years, members of both organizations have stood shoulder to shoulder for Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day programs, military funerals, scholarship efforts, community projects, and countless events honoring those who served.
Perhaps no project better demonstrates that partnership than the creation of the Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park.
Made possible through years of volunteer effort, fundraising, and community support, the Memorial Park stands as a lasting tribute to every generation of veterans—from the Civil War to today's service members.
It represents more than stone and bronze.
It represents a promise.
A promise that every veteran's service will be remembered.
One Continuous Legacy
The Grand Army of the Republic eventually passed into history as the last Civil War veterans left us.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion carried that torch forward.
Today, new generations of veterans continue to join their ranks.
Although the uniforms have changed and new conflicts have been fought, the purpose remains remarkably similar to what it was more than 160 years ago.
Veterans caring for veterans.
Neighbors serving neighbors.
Communities remembering those who sacrificed for our freedom.
That is the true legacy of Stoughton's veterans organizations.
It began with the soldiers of the Stoughton Light Guard.
It continued through Philo C. Buckman Post No. 153, VFW Mother Post 328, and Otis Sampson American Legion Post 59.
And it continues today.
As long as veterans stand together, that legacy will never end.