The Kenneth H. Nash Post 8 is a local post of the American Legion, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The post received its charter on January 18, 1922. It is a non-profit organization that provides a center of community for its members, promotes volunteerism and holds fundraising drives to support veterans. Post 8 houses the local post for veteran members of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 8 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8. Post 8 has a members’ lounge, event hall, a small kitchen and meeting space.
WHAT WE DO
The American Legion is committed to supporting our fellow service members and veterans, sponsoring youth programs in our communities and promoting the patriotism and honor that is vital to our nation’s future. Post 8 members can be proud of their accomplishments that further the mission of service.
-
We support soldiers and veterans: Whether it’s volunteering time at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, serving dinner for wounded soldiers and veterans who are hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Hospital; sending notes of appreciation to the Armed Forces Retirement Home, raising funds for medical treatment of burn victims or helping a local Boy Scout troop send care packages to active duty friends and family members deployed overseas; Post 8 members actively support soldiers and veterans.
-
We support and partner with local schools and youth programs: Post 8 partners with a neighborhood school and with a local Boy Scout Troop; and members raise funds for youth programs in D.C.
-
We honor our veterans and promote patriotism every step of the way: Post 8 members participate in wreath laying and commemoration ceremonies for members of the armed forces, assist in the transport and seating of disabled veterans in attendance on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations and, throughout the year, we volunteer time assisting with “Honor Flights” that help World War II veterans visit the memorial. In addition, Post 8 upholds the tradition of hosting ceremonial events in honor of Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day.
The American Legion states it best when it says, “The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.”
For a history of the American Legion and more information on benefits and services, please visit the American Legion website.
Since our charter in 1922, our American Legion Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community. Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble below.
OBITUARY
Arthur David Washington was born on June 27, 1945, in Washington, D.C., to the late Marie Washington and David Watts. He grew up in a loving home with seven siblings where they played cards and board games.
Arthur was a member of the Metropolitan Police No. 2 Boys Club. As a teen, he raced pigeons from his family’s rooftop – a hobby his mother ended when she discovered the birds were decorating the laundry she hung out to dry.
Arthur always loved group activities such as sports, which taught him discipline and teamwork. He attended the renowned Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. where he excelled as an athlete. He was captain of the basketball team and played wide receiver on the football team.
After graduation, Arthur attended North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C. While in school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He married Jacqueline Martin with whom he had two sons, David and Marcus. Arthur was a very involved father who enjoyed taking them on outings and fostering their love of sports. He remained close to his sons throughout his life.
Upon discharge from the Army, Arthur joined the D.C. Fire Department as a firefighter and completed his bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of the District of Columbia. He later worked at General Electric for ten years before the company transferred his job responsibilities outside of the D.C. area. Not wanting to uproot his family, he returned to the fire department, this time in the communications division. He retired as an instructor.
In later years, Arthur married Janice Bardley with whom he spent 31 adventurous years. They traveled throughout the country and around the world. Four years ago, they rescued a pointer mix they named Zora. Arthur credited his “little girl” with helping him rehab after knee surgeries because she loves long walks
During retirement, Arthur was an avid bid whist player, and he learned to play Mah Jongg. He was also a gifted artist who worked in the distinctive medium of wire. He mainly sold his pieces at art shows and craft fairs. His sculpture of Go-Go recording artist Chuck Brown is on permanent display at the D.C. Martin Luther King Public Library.
Arthur cherished his family and friends and loved helping others. He was a very kind person with a quiet and steady presence that drew others to him. In his later years, he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at the East Capitol Street Church of Christ. Arthur peacefully departed this life on August 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline; sisters Mary, Viola, Delois (Genevieve), and Rita; and brothers Leon and George. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Janice; sons David and Marcus; grandson Jamahl Poynter; sister Marie Segears; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
End of Summer Labor Day Cookout, Sunday September 6th, 2pm - 6pm
