American Legion Parades of Yore

Today, the average upstanding citizen is a pale shadow of his or her riotous ancestors. We don't drink as much or smoke as much or act goofy in public as much (despite the roll call of weird behaviors as collected by our Fearless Leader, Chuck.)

Look at this boring clip of a contemporary American Legion parade from last year.

Then view this account from 1947, when randy old codger Legionnaires rode bucking ATVs through the streets, poured water from hotel windows, and shocked innocent women with cattle prods (probably the very ones sold through Johnson Smith catalogs, as shown earlier on WU).

Now, answer truly: which era would you rather live in?

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Paul - Fri Jan 27, 2012
Category: Clubs, Fraternities and Other Self-selecting Organizations | Hobbies and DIY | Parades and Festivals | 1940s | Pranks

Comments

I had coffee with a Shriner this AM and we concluded that the most important thing they did was ride mini-scooters and go-karts in parades around the US.

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 01/27/12 at 10:46 AM

I thought the Shriners raised money for children's hospitals?
As to the Parade antics of yore, check out the bottom right corner of page 31 in the link! "Trapped Legionnaire hemmed in by crowd of new yorkers,gets a robust kick in the pants from an aroused lady.He had just given her a shock with his electric suitcase." If they tried that kind of crap today I bet the "ladies" would reply to this harassment with pepper spray!! :lol:

Posted by Tyrusguy on 01/27/12 at 12:23 PM

We just buried my uncle who was in the Army in the '50s. The American Legion showed up in surprising numbers to give him full military honors. They made all the arrangements and did a really nice job. I must say I did not see any cattle prods or squirt guns. I guess they've grown up a little over the years?

Posted by Dave Hanford on 01/27/12 at 11:52 PM

I'm happier living in a time where all people have the right to vote and black people aren't treated as second class citizens.

Posted by dumbledoor on 01/30/12 at 04:40 AM

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