Centennial Grenadiers

The Centennial Grenadiers drum and bugle corps was originally known as the Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham American Legion (AL) Post 1 of Denver. The Denver Post 1 was created in May 14^th, 1930, through an amalgamation of several surrounding Posts.

The corps entered the field of competition in at least 1934, placing 3^rd in the state convention, followed by 2^nd place finishes in 1936, 1937 & 1938, sporting their black, white and silver uniforms with silver helmets. Finally, the Denver Post 1 was crowned the 1939 state champions, defending their title the following season and winning the 1941 state parade contest. Upon return from World War II, the corps appeared in the 1949 state convention “40 & 8” parade, winning the 1950 parade spectacle and re-entered the field of competition in 1951, when they were crowned the Legion convention champions. The win paved the way to compete in the AL Nationals for the first time in their history, placing 22^nd in the preliminary round.

It was not until 1958 when the Denver unit regrouped as a field competitor, participating in the state convention, where they finished in 2^nd position before winning the 1959 & 1960 state titles. They became known as the Centennial Grenadiers from at least 1960 on to their last competitive season in 1964. During this period, the corps returned to 1961 AL Nationals, finishing in 9^th position in the finals and was awarded their last state title in 1963.

They disbanded in 1965.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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