American Legion
A comprehensive exploration of one of the nation's largest veterans organizations dedicated to service and brotherhood.
Discover the rich heritage of the American Legion, founded by veterans to serve veterans and their communities. Learn about their founding principles, organizational structure, and enduring commitment to patriotism, duty, and community service across America.
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History of the American Legion
The American Legion represents one of America's most significant veterans organizations, born from the experiences of World War I and evolving to serve generations of veterans and their families.
The Founding of the American Legion
The American Legion was founded in 1919, emerging from the shared experiences of soldiers who served in World War I. Meeting in Paris at the organization's first convention, World War I veterans came together with a unified vision: to create an organization dedicated to serving veterans and strengthening American communities. The organization received its federal charter from Congress in 1919, reflecting the government's recognition of its important national mission.
The founding of the American Legion represented a significant moment in American history. Veterans from diverse backgrounds and regions gathered to establish an organization that would transcend the divisions of rank, unit, or theater of service. The Legion's founders understood that their shared service had created a special bond and responsibility to their fellow veterans and to their nation.
From its inception, the American Legion adopted the motto "For God and Country" and established its central purposes: to uphold democracy, support veterans, serve communities, and perpetuate the memory of fallen soldiers. These founding principles have guided the organization through over a century of service and have remained remarkably consistent as the Legion has evolved to meet the changing needs of successive generations of veterans.
Veterans United
World War I veterans establish the American Legion in Paris, resolving to create an organization dedicated to serving all veterans. Congress grants the Legion federal charter, recognizing its importance to the nation.
Rapid Expansion
The American Legion rapidly expands across America, establishing posts in communities nationwide. The organization launches the first annual Memorial Day observances and begins major charitable initiatives supporting veterans and communities.
Supporting the War Effort
During World War II, American Legion posts serve as community centers supporting the war effort. The organization assists new veterans and their families, demonstrating its commitment to serving all generations of servicemembers.
Serving Every Generation
The American Legion continues serving veterans from Korea, Vietnam, and subsequent conflicts. The organization expands its youth programs, scholarships, and community service initiatives to address evolving veteran needs.
Contemporary Service
The American Legion serves veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and current conflicts while maintaining strong support for veterans of all eras. The organization adapts its programs to address contemporary challenges facing veterans and their families.
Millions Served
With nearly 2 million members in over 13,000 posts, the American Legion remains the nation's largest veterans organization, continuing its mission to serve veterans, support communities, and preserve the legacy of America's military service.
Mission and Core Principles
The American Legion is guided by principles centered on veterans' welfare, patriotism, and community service.
Veterans Service
The American Legion's primary mission is to serve veterans and their families, providing assistance, advocacy, and support services addressing the needs of those who have served the nation.
Patriotism
The American Legion champions American values, supports the military, and works to strengthen the bond between veterans and civilian communities through patriotic observances and education.
Community Service
American Legion posts strengthen their communities through youth programs, scholarships, disaster relief, community development projects, and volunteer service addressing local needs.
Remembrance
The American Legion honors fallen service members and preserves the memory of America's military history through ceremonies, monuments, and historical education for future generations.
The Legion's Motto: "For God and Country"
This enduring motto captures the essential spirit of the American Legion. It reflects the organization's commitment to spiritual values, patriotic service, and the betterment of American communities. For over a century, American Legion members have lived by this motto, serving their fellow veterans, their communities, and their nation with dedication and integrity.
Organization and Structure
The American Legion maintains a comprehensive organizational structure enabling coordination across thousands of local posts nationwide.
National Organization
The American Legion National Convention, held annually, serves as the governing body of the organization. The National Commander, elected annually, serves as the chief executive officer representing the Legion nationally and internationally.
The National Headquarters coordinates organizational activities, manages national programs, advocates for veterans' interests, and provides support and resources to state and local organizations.
State and Local Posts
The American Legion operates through 55 state/territory departments and approximately 13,000 local posts across America. Each post serves its local community while adhering to national Legion standards and policies.
Posts are led by elected commanders and officers responsible for conducting local activities, organizing community service, supporting veterans, and maintaining post facilities that often serve as important community gathering places.
Membership
Membership is available to veterans who served honorably in the armed forces during the American Legion's defined eligibility periods. With nearly 2 million members, the Legion represents a significant portion of America's veteran population.
Auxiliary Organizations
The American Legion Family includes the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and Daughters of The American Legion, enabling family members to participate in the Legion's service mission.
Veterans Service Officers
American Legion Veterans Service Officers provide direct assistance to veterans and their families, helping them access benefits, navigate bureaucratic systems, and obtain needed services and support.
Service and Community Impact
The American Legion has served millions through direct assistance, community programs, and advocacy for veterans and their families.
Veteran Services and Benefits
- • Assistance accessing VA benefits, healthcare, and disability compensation
- • Home and hospital assistance for veterans in need
- • Legal assistance and advocacy for veterans' issues
- • Emergency financial assistance and hardship relief
- • Employment and vocational assistance programs
- • Support for homeless veterans and crisis intervention
Community and Youth Programs
- • Educational scholarships and grants for veterans' children
- • Youth leadership programs and patriotic education
- • Boys and Girls State programs developing young leaders
- • Disaster relief and emergency community assistance
- • Patriotic observances honoring fallen service members
- • Community development and volunteer service initiatives
A Force for Veteran and Community Service
The American Legion stands as a powerful force for veterans and communities across America. From providing direct assistance to veterans navigating complex systems to supporting youth and strengthening communities, the Legion embodies the principle that those who have served their nation have a continuing obligation to serve their communities. Through nearly 2 million members organized in over 13,000 posts, the American Legion continues its vital work of supporting veterans and enriching American life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the American Legion? Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries.
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