Founded in 1919 and chartered by the U.S. Congress for veterans of World War I, the American Legion became the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, with work centered on youth mentoring, scholarships, patriotic programs, national security, and support for veterans, active military personnel, and their families. In Texas, the organization includes 480 posts and more than 65,000 members. In October 1963, Omer Leon Carrothers, superintendent of the Bedford School System, met with other veterans at Stonegate Elementary School to discuss forming a post in the community. On October 1, 1964, the post received its temporary charter and began holding general membership meetings at the Bedford Boys Ranch Activity Center. In 1966, meetings moved to a building in the 300 block of State Highway 10 in Hurst, and on March 2, 1967, the post received its permanent charter, with Carrothers as commander and William Upton as adjutant. In 1969, the post began Memorial Day services at Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery in Colleyville, establishing an annual tradition. It acquired property for a new meeting place on N. Industrial Blvd in the late 1970s. In August 1984, Hurst-Euless-Bedford Post 379 was named "Post of the Month" in the national American Legion magazine. Working with affiliated groups including the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Riders, and the Forty and Eight, the post has continued to support and enrich the community, state, and nation.