American Legion Auxiliary

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a nonprofit patriotic service organization in the United States, dedicated to supporting The American Legion and honoring the sacrifices of veterans, military personnel, and their families.

History

The ALA was established in 1919 during the first National Convention of The American Legion. This formation was a natural progression from the roles women played during World War I, where they supported the war effort alongside their family members in the military. Initially, the organization was composed of women closely associated with Legion members, such as wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters. By the 1920 National Convention of The American Legion, 1,342 local units of the Auxiliary had been formed across 45 states. The name "American Legion Auxiliary" was officially adopted at the Auxiliary's first national convention in 1921 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Over time, the Auxiliary has grown significantly. By the start of World War II, membership had reached approximately 500,000, and it peaked at over 1 million in 1955. In recent years, the organization has expanded eligibility for membership to include male spouses of Legion members or deceased servicemembers who would have been eligible for membership in The American Legion.

Mission and Purpose

The American Legion Auxiliary operates under the guiding principle of "Service Not Self," focusing on enhancing the lives of veterans, military personnel, and their families through various programs and initiatives. The mission includes supporting The American Legion, advocating for veterans, promoting patriotism and good citizenship, and providing educational and leadership opportunities.

The organization's vision is to become the premier service organization in every community, supporting veterans and their families while fostering an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security.

Programs and Activities

The ALA is involved in numerous programs and activities aimed at supporting veterans and their families. These include:

• Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation: The ALA plays a crucial role in supporting veterans' welfare and rehabilitation services.
• Children and Youth: Programs like ALA Girls State and Junior Activities focus on developing leadership skills and promoting patriotism among young people.
• Education: The organization supports quality education by awarding scholarships and promoting literacy.
• Americanism: ALA promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship through various community events and educational materials.
• Community Service: Members participate in disaster relief, charity events, and other projects that benefit local communities.
• Poppy Program: The ALA uses the poppy symbol to raise awareness and funds for veteran support services.

Structure

The American Legion Auxiliary is organized into local units, state departments, and a national organization. Members belong to all three levels, with portions of their dues contributing to each level. The National Headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, alongside The American Legion's headquarters.

Today, the ALA is one of the largest women's patriotic organizations in the world, with a presence in over 9,500 communities across the United States and several foreign countries. Despite its origins as a women's organization, the ALA now includes male spouses and supports a diverse membership dedicated to its mission of service.