American Legion

The American Legion is a nonprofit veterans organization in the United States, chartered by Congress in 1919. It is dedicated to service to veterans, service members, and communities. The organization was founded by World War I veterans and has grown into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the U.S. As a 501(c)(19) war veterans' organization, the American Legion plays a pivotal role in advocating for veterans' benefits, promoting patriotism, and supporting community programs.

History

The American Legion was established on March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), who were still stationed in Europe at the end of World War I. The organization was formally chartered by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919. Its headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In the early years, the American Legion rapidly gained popularity, with membership swiftly rising to over one million. Today, the organization has more than 2.4 million members across 14,000 posts worldwide, including in the United States and overseas departments.

Achievements and Programs

The American Legion has been instrumental in several significant achievements:

• Veterans Benefits: The organization played a crucial role in establishing the U.S. Veterans Bureau, precursor to the Department of Veterans Affairs. It continues to lobby for veterans' benefits, including medical, disability, and education support.
• G.I. Bill: The Legion was instrumental in drafting and passing the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the "G.I. Bill," which provided extensive educational and housing benefits to returning veterans.
• Youth Programs: The American Legion supports several youth programs, including Boys State and Boys Nation, aimed at fostering an understanding of government operations and civic responsibilities among young people.
• Community Service: It sponsors American Legion Baseball, which annually involves over 82,000 youths, and supports numerous local community projects.
• Flag Protections: The Legion drafted the first U.S. Flag Code in 1923, which was adopted by Congress in 1942.

Structure and Membership

The American Legion is structured into 55 departments, representing the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. Its national leadership includes a National Commander and a National Executive Committee. The organization has over 1.8 million members as of recent reports.

Mission

The American Legion's mission is encapsulated in its preamble, which emphasizes the values of defending the Constitution, fostering Americanism, and promoting mutual helpfulness among its members. The organization remains committed to advocating for veterans' rights, supporting community programs, and maintaining its role as a leading voice in U.S. veterans' affairs.