Sometimes good can come from the chaos and devastation of war. Sometimes. A little over one hundred years ago Europe was consumed in what many (at the time) considered to be the final war. The ‘war to end all wars.’ It was unlike any military action the world had ever seen. By the time the United States got involved, World War I had been dragged into a stalemate after years of fighting. Hurrying to deploy as much combat power as it could and without a formal standing army, the U.S. began shuffling its best units to the front lines via French rail cars. Each car carried forty soldiers and eight horses all racing to whatever fate awaited. Little did anyone guess this would evolve into a storied organization that continues to do good throughout the world today.
The Forty & Eight was initially established in 1923 in the aftermath of the Great War by Joseph W. Breen and 15 prominent Legionnaires in a hall in Philadelphia. The American Legion was already spreading across the nation, but these men envisioned something else, something more. A higher level of membership and camaraderie for the Legion’s upper leadership and America’s returning veterans with an intention to provide support for the countless orphans left in the wake of the war.
Thus was born the Society of Forty Men & Eight Horses (La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux). With membership being invitation-only, the society preserves the founding intent of maintaining higher standards. This year, Fuquay-Varina’s very own William Slater was elected to represent the state of North Carolina as the state commander, or Chef de Gare du NC. Having served in the Army during Vietnam and after, William is a staple in the local veteran community. He continues giving back to both the local community as well as the American Legion on Johnson Pond Road.
But like a great man once said, with great power comes great responsibility. William wears multiple hats between the Legion and the Forty & Eight. In addition to his normal job, family, and twin volunteer responsibilities, William is tasked with breathing new life into the Society and engaging with members across the state to jumpstart the numerous charitable endeavors and public outreach the Society is renowned for.
The purpose of the Forty & Eight is one of giving back and doing more. From their website, their purpose is: To create a charitable and non-profit veterans organization; to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to assist and promote the welfare and well-being of those who have served or are now serving in the Armed Forces…and their widows, widowers and orphans; to participate in all memorial services for…departed comrades; …and to preserve the memories of our Service in the Armed Forces of our country…”
In additional to those lofty ideals, the Society is charged with projects related to three important endeavors: The welfare of the children of America, the health of our nation by fostering a nurses training program, and participation in selected charitable endeavors.
These expectations date back to the mid-1920s and the first iterations of the Society. Here in North Carolina, the Forty & Eight maintains a robust volunteer organization from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Members integrate into communities and encourage and mentor youth sports and development on many levels, donate and provide guidance for aspiring nurses, and work hand-in-hand with the Veteran’s Administration to ensure our returning veterans are provided the best medical care and help available.
This is no small charge and a daunting position to step into. Thankfully, William is the right man for the job. He works tirelessly to coordinate efforts with other states and is focusing his tenure on the key phrase from the city of the Society’s origins—brotherly love. William’s dedication and diligence to not only carry on the Society’s mandates but improve North Carolina’s efforts is evident in all he does, making him a shining example for veterans—and everyone—to aspire to.
Today, members of the Forty & Eight are still revered in France. Walk down the street wearing the emblem and members are instantly recognized. Their proud legacy of helping end World War I and restore order to a world gone mad is carried on by today’s members under the expanded original purpose. Like every great society, the strength of this one is represented by the combined actions of the membership. By encouraging working together, William and his cohorts strive to leave the Society and the community in a better place.
Though changes have been enacted throughout the years, from the inclusion of women into the ranks in 2006 to the removal of the requirement of being an existing member of the American Legion to be considered, the Society continues to be a beacon of hope to communities across this great nation. William hopes to challenge members to do more and remain committed to strengthening our community and forging closer bonds that leave all of us better people.
None of us who step into a military uniform know where our paths will take us. One day we simply find ourselves on an unfamiliar road marching into the unknown with a renewed purpose. While some may drift aimless for a time, William Slater met that challenge head on and continues to be a shining example of what a veteran is and how we are integral parts of a much large society. For some, a few years in uniform is more than enough before moving on. For others, like William, it was just the beginning in a lifetime of dedicated service.
To learn more about the Society of Forty Men & Eight Horses, visit: www.fortyandeight.org
If you are a veteran and interested in the American Legion, go to: https://www.legion.org/
