American Legion China Post 1 in Shanghai has been operating in exile since 1948, but its members now have a meeting place in North Idaho. 

The Post Falls American Legion Post 143 on Friday was officially given “Watering Hole” status, drawing cheers from the crowd of about 50 people and granting it a “globally recognized association” with China Post 1.  

“Camaraderie is the most important thing about the American Legion," said Bob Shay, Post 143 First Commander and membership officer. “It’s about keeping the spirit alive and remembering the things we did.” 

A banner with a red dragon under the words "China Post 1, Soldiers of Fortune — Worldwide" was unveiled and will hang on the post’s wall. 

Randy Odette, a 20-year Air Force veteran, was moved to tears when he heard of the new designation. 

"It means a lot to me,” he said. 

The 78-year-old was looking for an American Legion post when he moved to the area from Kansas about three years ago and was glad to find the one in Post Falls. 

As a 53-year member of China Post 1, he was pleased by its new relationship with American Legion Post 143. 

“I was elated,” said Odette, who was wearing a China Post 1 cap. 

Shay said China Post 1 is the only American Legion post operating in exile and gave a brief post history. 

It was formed in 1919 in Shanghai by a group of American World War I veterans working in international trade and on construction projects in China.

In the late 1930s, as the Japanese Imperial Army drew closer to Shanghai, the post sent its record to legion headquarters in the U.S.  

In 1941, the U.S. entered World War II and members of China Post 1 were imprisoned, along with other civilians. 

Following the end of World War II in 1945, Post 1 reinstated its activities in Shanghai, only to pack up again in 1949 as the Chinese communist army closed in and moved to the U.S., where it operated in exile in Austin, Texas, and Las Vegas. 

The Post 1 home at 209 Fu Zhou Lu in Shanghai still stands and operates as a Chinese government courthouse. 

“Attempts have been made by the Post to return to their home, but these contacts are at a dead end, and the Post does not see any possibility of its return,” Shay said. 

Today, China Post 1 is part of the Department of France and a member of Foreign and Outlying Posts and Departments of the American Legion. 

“The Post still has no permanent home, although ‘Watering Holes’ around the globe offer a space for meetings," Shay said.

Shay has been asked why he applied for Watering Hole status for Post 143, and he said it comes down to the statement in the American Legion preamble that veterans recite before meetings.

It reads in part, “to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.” 

Shay said he recently returned from his ship’s reunion, and it doesn’t matter if the veterans know each other. They shared similar experiences and when they are together, they share stories. 

“That's the best part,” Shay said. 

    Bob Shay announces the new "Watering Hole" status for American Legion Post 143 on Friday.